NOVARTIS AG (SEC Filing Page | XBRL Cloud Viewer | XBRL Instance)

Line Label Object Class Period Type Balance Report ElementName
1 0001000 - Document - Document and Entity Information Network

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 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation
2 Document Information [Table] Table

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 dei:DocumentInformationTable
3 Document Information [Line Items] LineItems dei:DocumentInformationLineItems
4 Document Type Concept (Submission Type) For Period dei:DocumentType
5 Amendment Flag Concept (Yes/No) For Period dei:AmendmentFlag
6 Document Period End Date Concept (Date) For Period dei:DocumentPeriodEndDate
7 Document Fiscal Year Focus Concept (Year) For Period dei:DocumentFiscalYearFocus
8 Document Fiscal Period Focus Concept (Fiscal Period) For Period dei:DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus
9 Trading Symbol Concept (Text/String) For Period dei:TradingSymbol
10 Entity Registrant Name Concept (Text/String) For Period dei:EntityRegistrantName
11 Entity Central Index Key Concept (CIK Number) For Period dei:EntityCentralIndexKey
12 Current Fiscal Year End Date Concept (Month/Day) For Period dei:CurrentFiscalYearEndDate
13 Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Concept (Yes/No) For Period dei:EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer
14 Entity Current Reporting Status Concept (Yes/No) For Period dei:EntityCurrentReportingStatus
15 Entity Voluntary Filers Concept (Yes/No) For Period dei:EntityVoluntaryFilers
16 Entity Filer Category Concept (Filer Category) For Period dei:EntityFilerCategory
17 Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Concept (Shares) As Of dei:EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding
18 Entity Public Float Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit dei:EntityPublicFloat
19 1001000 - Statement - Consolidated income statements Network

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 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/StatementOfIncome
20 Statement [table] Table

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21 Change over period [axis] Axis nvs:ChangeOverPeriodAxis
22 Change over period [member] Member nvs:ChangeOverPeriodMember
23 QoQ [member] Member nvs:QoQMember
24 YTD [member] Member nvs:YTDMember
25 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
26 Net sales to third parties Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdParties
27 Sales to other segments Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsSalesToOtherSegments
28 Net sales Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:RevenueFromSaleOfGoods
29 Other revenues Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherRevenue
30 Cost of goods sold Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:CostOfSales
31 Gross profit Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:GrossProfit
32 Selling, general and administration Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
33 Research and Development Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
34 Other income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherIncome
35 Other expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:OtherExpenseByFunction
36 Operating income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLossFromOperatingActivities
37 Income from associated companies Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ShareOfProfitLossOfAssociatesAndJointVenturesAccountedForUsingEquityMethod
38 Interest expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:InterestExpense
39 Other financial income and expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherFinanceIncomeCost
40 Income before taxes Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLossBeforeTax
41 Taxes Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:IncomeTaxExpenseContinuingOperations
42 Net income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLossFromContinuingOperations
43 Net income/loss from discontinued operations Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLossFromDiscontinuedOperations
44 Net income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLoss
45 Attributable to Abstract ifrs-full:ProfitLossAttributableToAbstract
46 Shareholders of Novartis AG Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLossAttributableToOwnersOfParent
47 Non-controlling interests Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests
48 Weighted average number of shares outstanding used in the basic earnings per share Concept (Shares) For Period ifrs-full:WeightedAverageShares
49 Basic earnings per share [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:BasicEarningsPerShareAbstract
50 Basic earnings per share, Continuing operations Concept (Share) For Period ifrs-full:BasicEarningsLossPerShareFromContinuingOperations
51 Basic earnings per share, Discontinued operations Concept (Share) For Period ifrs-full:BasicEarningsLossPerShareFromDiscontinuedOperations
52 Basic earnings per share Concept (Share) For Period ifrs-full:BasicEarningsLossPerShare
53 Adjusted weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding Concept (Shares) For Period ifrs-full:AdjustedWeightedAverageShares
54 Diluted earnings per share [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:DilutedEarningsPerShareAbstract
55 Diluted earnings per share, Continuing operations Concept (Share) For Period ifrs-full:DilutedEarningsLossPerShareFromContinuingOperations
56 Diluted earnings per share, Discontinued operations Concept (Share) For Period ifrs-full:DilutedEarningsLossPerShareFromDiscontinuedOperations
57 Diluted earnings per share Concept (Share) For Period ifrs-full:DilutedEarningsLossPerShare
58 1002000 - Statement - Consolidated statements of comprehensive income Network

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 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/StatementOfComprehensiveIncome
59 Statement [table] Table

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60 Change over period [axis] Axis nvs:ChangeOverPeriodAxis
61 Change over period [member] Member nvs:ChangeOverPeriodMember
62 QoQ [member] Member nvs:QoQMember
63 YTD [member] Member nvs:YTDMember
64 Continuing and discontinued operations [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
65 Aggregate continuing and discontinued operations [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregateContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsMember
66 Continuing operations Member ifrs-full:ContinuingOperationsMember
67 Discontinued operations Member ifrs-full:DiscontinuedOperationsMember
68 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
69 Net income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLoss
70 Other comprehensive income to be eventually recycled into the consolidated income statement Abstract ifrs-full:ComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeThatWillBeReclassifiedToProfitOrLossNetOfTaxAbstract
71 Fair value adjustments on marketable securities, net of taxes Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAvailableforsaleFinancialAssets
72 Fair value adjustments on debt securities, net of taxes Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxDebtSecurities
73 Fair value adjustments on deferred cash flow hedges, net of taxes Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxCashFlowHedges
74 Total fair value adjustments on financial instruments, net of taxes Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxFinancialInstruments
75 Associated companies' movements in comprehensive income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ShareOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeOfAssociatesAndJointVenturesAccountedForUsingEquityMethodThatWillBeReclassifiedToProfitOrLossNetOfTax
76 Net investment hedge Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxHedgesOfNetInvestmentsInForeignOperations
77 Currency translation effects Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxExchangeDifferencesOnTranslation
78 Total of items to eventually recycle Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherComprehensiveIncomeThatWillBeReclassifiedToProfitOrLossNetOfTax
79 Other comprehensive income never to be recycled into the consolidated income statement Abstract ifrs-full:ComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeThatWillNotBeReclassifiedToProfitOrLossNetOfTaxAbstract
80 Actuarial gains/losses from defined benefit plans, net of taxes Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxGainsLossesOnRemeasurementsOfDefinedBenefitPlans
81 Fair value adjustments on equity securities, net of taxes Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxGainsLossesFromInvestmentsInEquityInstruments
82 Total of items never to be recycled Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherComprehensiveIncomeThatWillNotBeReclassifiedToProfitOrLossNetOfTax
83 Total comprehensive income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ComprehensiveIncome
84 Attributable to Abstract ifrs-full:ComprehensiveIncomeAttributableToAbstract
85 Shareholders of Novartis AG Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ComprehensiveIncomeAttributableToOwnersOfParent
86 Comprehensive income, attributable to non-controlling interests Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ComprehensiveIncomeAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests
87 1003000 - Statement - Consolidated balance sheets Network

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 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/BalanceSheet
88 Statement [table] Table

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89 Change over period [axis] Axis nvs:ChangeOverPeriodAxis
90 Change over period [member] Member nvs:ChangeOverPeriodMember
91 QoQ [member] Member nvs:QoQMember
92 YTD [member] Member nvs:YTDMember
93 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
94 Assets [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:AssetsAbstract
95 Non-current assets [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:NoncurrentAssetsAbstract
96 Property, plant and equipment Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:PropertyPlantAndEquipment
97 Goodwill Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:Goodwill
98 Intangible assets other than goodwill Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:IntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill
99 Investments in associated companies Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:InvestmentAccountedForUsingEquityMethod
100 Deferred tax assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:DeferredTaxAssets
101 Financial assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:NoncurrentFinancialAssets
102 Other non-current assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:OtherNoncurrentAssets
103 Total non-current assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:NoncurrentAssets
104 Current assets [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:CurrentAssetsAbstract
105 Inventories Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:Inventories
106 Current trade receivables Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CurrentTradeReceivables
107 Income tax receivable Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:CurrentIncomeTaxReceivable
108 Marketable securities, commodities, time deposits and derivative financial instruments Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:OtherCurrentFinancialAssets
109 Cash and cash equivalents Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CashAndCashEquivalents
110 Other current assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:OtherCurrentNonfinancialAssets
111 Total current assets before assets held for sale Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:CurrentAssetsBeforeAssetsHeldForSale
112 Total current assets without disposal group Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CurrentAssetsOtherThanAssetsOrDisposalGroupsClassifiedAsHeldForSaleOrAsHeldForDistributionToOwners
113 Assets of disposal group held for sale Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:NoncurrentAssetsOrDisposalGroupsClassifiedAsHeldForSale
114 Total current assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CurrentAssets
115 Total assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:Assets
116 Equity and liabilities [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:EquityAndLiabilitiesAbstract
117 Equity [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:EquityAbstract
118 Share capital Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:IssuedCapital
119 Treasury shares Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:TreasuryShares
120 Reserves Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:OtherReserves
121 Issued share capital and reserves attributable to Novartis AG shareholders Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:EquityAttributableToOwnersOfParent
122 Non-controlling interests Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:NoncontrollingInterests
123 Total equity Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:Equity
124 Liabilities [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:LiabilitiesAbstract
125 Non-current liabilities [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:NoncurrentLiabilitiesAbstract
126 Financial debts Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:OtherNoncurrentFinancialLiabilities
127 Deferred tax liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:DeferredTaxLiabilities
128 Provisions and other non-current liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ProvisionsAndOtherNoncurrentLiabilities
129 Total non-current liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:NoncurrentLiabilities
130 Current liabilities [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:CurrentLiabilitiesAbstract
131 Trade payables Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:TradeAndOtherPayablesToTradeSuppliers
132 Financial debts and derivative financial instruments Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:OtherCurrentFinancialLiabilities
133 Current income tax liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:CurrentTaxLiabilitiesCurrent
134 Provisions and other current liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:OtherCurrentNonfinancialLiabilities
135 Total current liabilities without disposal group Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:CurrentLiabilitiesOtherThanLiabilitiesIncludedInDisposalGroupsClassifiedAsHeldForSale
136 Liabilities of disposal group held for sale Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:LiabilitiesIncludedInDisposalGroupsClassifiedAsHeldForSale
137 Total current liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:CurrentLiabilities
138 Total liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:Liabilities
139 Total equity and liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:EquityAndLiabilities
140 1004000 - Statement - Consolidated statements of changes in equity Network

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 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/StatementOfChangesInEquity
141 Statement of changes in equity [table] Table

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 ifrs-full:StatementOfChangesInEquityTable
142 Components of equity [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ComponentsOfEquityAxis
143 Equity [member] Member ifrs-full:EquityMember
144 Equity attributable to owners of parent [member] Member ifrs-full:EquityAttributableToOwnersOfParentMember
145 Share capital Member ifrs-full:IssuedCapitalMember
146 Treasury shares Member ifrs-full:TreasurySharesMember
147 Retained earnings Member ifrs-full:RetainedEarningsMember
148 Total value adjustments Member nvs:TotalValueAdjustmentsAttributableToNovartisShareholdersMember
149 Non-controlling interests [member] Member ifrs-full:NoncontrollingInterestsMember
150 Retrospective application and retrospective restatement [axis] Axis ifrs-full:RetrospectiveApplicationAndRetrospectiveRestatementAxis
151 Currently stated [member] Member ifrs-full:RestatedMember
152 Previously stated [member] Member ifrs-full:PreviouslyStatedMember
153 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy and corrections of prior period errors [member] Member ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyAndCorrectionsOfPriorPeriodErrorsMember
154 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialEffectOfChangesInAccountingPolicyMember
155 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy required by IFRSs [member] Member ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyRequiredByIFRSsMember
156 Restated Value Adjustments [member] Member nvs:RestatedValueAdjustmentsMember
157 Statement of changes in equity [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:StatementOfChangesInEquityLineItems
158 Equity Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:Equity
159 Equity at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:Equity
160 Net income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLoss
161 Other comprehensive income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherComprehensiveIncome
162 Total comprehensive income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ComprehensiveIncome
163 Dividends Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:DividendsPaid
164 Purchase of treasury shares Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:PurchaseOfTreasuryShares
165 Reduction of share capital Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ReductionOfShareCapital
166 Exercise of options and employee transactions Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ExerciseOfOptionsAndEmployeeTransactionsValue
167 Other share sales Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherShareSales
168 Equity-based compensation Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseThroughSharebasedPaymentTransactions
169 Increase of treasury share repurchase obligation under a share buyback trading plan Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IncreaseDecreaseOfTreasuryShareRepurchaseObligationUnderAShareBuybackTradingPlan
170 Transaction costs recorded in equity Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:TransactionCostsRecordedInEquity
171 Transaction costs Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:TransactionCosts
172 Fair value adjustments on financial assets sold Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:FairValueAdjustmentsOnFinancialAssetsSold
173 Other comprehensive income, maketable securities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherComprehensiveIncomeMaketableSecurities
174 Other comprehensive income recycled into the consolidated income statement Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:OtherComprehensiveIncomeRecycledIntoTheConsolidatedIncomeStatement
175 Changes in non-controlling interests Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IncreaseDecreaseInNoncontrolingInterests
176 Fair value adjustments related to divestments Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:FairValueAdjustmentsRelatedToDivestments
177 Impact of change in ownership of consolidated entities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseThroughChangesInOwnershipInterestsInSubsidiariesThatDoNotResultInLossOfControl
178 Other movements Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseThroughTransfersAndOtherChangesEquity
179 Total of other equity movements Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ChangesInEquity
180 Equity at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:Equity
181 1005000 - Statement - Consolidated cash flow statements Network

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 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/StatementsOfCashFlow
182 Statement [table] Table

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183 Change over period [axis] Axis nvs:ChangeOverPeriodAxis
184 Change over period [member] Member nvs:ChangeOverPeriodMember
185 QoQ [member] Member nvs:QoQMember
186 YTD [member] Member nvs:YTDMember
187 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
188 Net income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLossFromContinuingOperations
189 Net income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLoss
190 Reversal of non-cash items and other adjustments Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AdjustmentsForReconcileProfitLoss
191 Dividends received from associated companies and others Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:DividendsReceivedClassifiedAsOperatingActivities
192 Interest received Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:InterestReceivedClassifiedAsOperatingActivities
193 Interest paid Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:InterestPaidClassifiedAsOperatingActivities
194 Other financial receipts Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:FinanceIncomeReceivedClassifiedAsOperatingActivities
195 Other financial payments Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:FinanceCostsPaidClassifiedAsOperatingActivities
196 Taxes paid Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:IncomeTaxesPaidRefundClassifiedAsOperatingActivities
197 Net cash flows from operating activities before working capital and provision changes Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:CashFlowsBeforeWorkingCapitalAndProvisionChanges
198 Payments out of provisions and other net cash movements in non-current liabilities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:PaymentsOutOfProvisionsAndOtherNetCashMovementsInNoncurrentLiabilities
199 Change in net current assets and other operating cash flow items Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ChangeInNetCurrentAssetsAndOtherOperatingCashFlowItems
200 Cash flows used in operating activities from discontinued operations Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:CashFlowsFromUsedInOperatingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations
201 Total cash flows from operating activities Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:CashFlowsFromUsedInOperatingActivities
202 Purchase of property, plant and equipment Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:PurchaseOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
203 Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ProceedsFromSalesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
204 Purchase of intangible assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:PurchaseOfIntangibleAssetsClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
205 Proceeds from sales of intangible assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ProceedsFromSalesOfIntangibleAssetsClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
206 Purchase of financial assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:PurchaseOfFinancialAssetsClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
207 Proceeds from sales of financial assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ProceedsFromSalesOfFinancialAssetsClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
208 Purchase of other non-current assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:PurchaseOfOtherLongtermAssetsClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
209 Proceeds from sales of other non-current assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ProceedsFromOtherLongtermAssetsClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
210 Divestments of interests in associated companies Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ProceedsFromSalesOfInterestsInAssociates
211 Divestments and acquisitions aquisitions of interests in associated companies, net Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:DivestmentsAquisitionsOfInterestsInAssociatedCompanies
212 Acquisitions and divestments of businesses, net Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:NetCashFlowsUsedInAcquisitionsAndDivestmentsOfBusinessesClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
213 Purchase of interests in associates Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:PurchaseOfInterestsInAssociates
214 Purchase of marketable securities and commodities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherCashPaymentsToAcquireEquityOrDebtInstrumentsOfOtherEntitiesClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
215 Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and commodities Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:OtherCashReceiptsFromSalesOfEquityOrDebtInstrumentsOfOtherEntitiesClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
216 Net cash flows used in investing activities from continuing operations Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:CashFlowsFromUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations
217 Net cash flows used in investing activities from discontinued operations Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:CashFlowsFromUsedInInvestingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations
218 Total net cash flows used in investing activities Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:CashFlowsFromUsedInInvestingActivities
219 Dividends paid to shareholders of Novartis AG Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:DividendsPaidToEquityHoldersOfParentClassifiedAsFinancingActivities
220 Acquisition of treasury shares Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:PaymentsToAcquireOrRedeemEntitysShares
221 Proceeds from exercise options and other treasury share transactions Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ProceedsFromExerciseOptionsAndOtherTreasuryShareTransactions
222 Increase in non-current financial debts Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ProceedsFromNoncurrentBorrowings
223 Repayment of non-current financial debts Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:RepaymentsOfNoncurrentBorrowings
224 Change in current financial debts Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:CashFlowsFromUsedInIncreaseDecreaseInCurrentBorrowings
225 Payments of finance lease liabilities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:PaymentsOfFinanceLeaseLiabilitiesClassifiedAsFinancingActivities
226 Impact of change in ownership of consolidated entities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:PaymentsFromChangesInOwnershipInterestsInSubsidiaries
227 Transaction costs payments Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:TransactionCostsRecordedInEquityPaid
228 Dividends paid to non-controlling interests and other financing cash flows Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:OtherInflowsOutflowsOfCashClassifiedAsFinancingActivities
229 Cash flows used in financing activities Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:CashFlowsFromUsedInFinancingActivities
230 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:EffectOfExchangeRateChangesOnCashAndCashEquivalents
231 Net change in cash and cash equivalents Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseInCashAndCashEquivalents
232 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CashAndCashEquivalents
233 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CashAndCashEquivalents
234 1005010 - Statement - Consolidated cash flow statements (Parenthetical) Network

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235 Statement [table] Table

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236 Continuing and discontinued operations [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
237 Aggregate continuing and discontinued operations [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregateContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsMember
238 Continuing operations [member] Member ifrs-full:ContinuingOperationsMember
239 Discontinued operations [member] Member ifrs-full:DiscontinuedOperationsMember
240 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
241 Income taxes (paid)/refund Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:IncomeTaxesPaidRefund
242 Income taxes (paid)/refund, classified as investing activities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:IncomeTaxesPaidRefundClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
243 Income taxes refund/(paid), classified as operating activities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:IncomeTaxesPaidRefundClassifiedAsOperatingActivities
244 2100100 - Disclosure - Significant accounting policies Network

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245 Statement [table] Table

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246 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
247 Significant accounting policies Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesExplanatory
248 2100200 - Disclosure - Significant transactions Network

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249 Statement [table] Table

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250 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
251 Significant transactions Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfSignificantTransactionsTextBlock
252 2100300 - Disclosure - Segmentation of key figures Network

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253 Statement [table] Table

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254 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
255 Segmentation of key figures Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfEntitysReportableSegmentsExplanatory
256 2100400 - Disclosure - Associated companies Network

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257 Statement [table] Table

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258 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
259 Associated companies Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfInvestmentsAccountedForUsingEquityMethodExplanatory
260 2100500 - Disclosure - Interest expense and other financial income and expense Network

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261 Statement [table] Table

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262 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
263 Interest expense and other financial income and expense Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfInterestExpenseExplanatory
264 2100600 - Disclosure - Taxes Network

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265 Statement [table] Table

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266 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
267 Taxes Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfIncomeTaxExplanatory
268 2100700 - Disclosure - Earnings per share Network

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269 Statement [table] Table

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270 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
271 Earnings per share Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:EarningsPerShareExplanatory
272 2100800 - Disclosure - Changes in consolidated statements of comprehensive income Network

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273 Statement [table] Table

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274 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
275 Changes in consolidated statements of comprehensive income Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ChangesInConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeTextBlock
276 2100900 - Disclosure - Property, plant and equipment Network

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277 Statement [table] Table

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278 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
279 Property, plant and equipment Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentExplanatory
280 2101000 - Disclosure - Goodwill and intangible assets Network

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281 Statement [table] Table

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282 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
283 Goodwill and intangible assets Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillExplanatory
284 2101100 - Disclosure - Deferred tax assets and liabilities Network

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285 Statement [table] Table

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286 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
287 Deferred tax assets and liablities Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfDeferredTaxesExplanatory
288 2101200 - Disclosure - Financial and other non-current assets Network

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289 Statement [table] Table

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290 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
291 Financial and other non-current assets Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfFinancialAndOtherNoncurrentAssetsTextBlock
292 2101300 - Disclosure - Inventories Network

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293 Statement [table] Table

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294 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
295 Inventories Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfInventoriesExplanatory
296 2101400 - Disclosure - Trade receivables Network

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297 Statement [table] Table

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298 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
299 Trade receivables Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfTradeReceivablesExplanatoryTextBlock
300 2101500 - Disclosure - Marketable securities, commodities, time deposits, derivative financial instruments and cash and cash equivalents Network

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301 Statement [table] Table

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302 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
303 Disclosure of marketable securities commodities deposits derivative instruments and cash Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfMarketableSecuritiesCommoditiesDepositsDerivativeInstrumentsAndCashTextBlock
304 2101600 - Disclosure - Other current assets Network

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305 Statement [table] Table

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306 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
307 Other current assets Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfOtherCurrentAssetsExplanatory
308 2101700 - Disclosure - Equity Network

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309 Statement [table] Table

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310 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
311 Equity Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfEquityTextBlock
312 2101800 - Disclosure - Non-current financial debt Network

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313 Statement [table] Table

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314 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
315 Non-current financial debt Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFinancialLiabilitiesExplanatory
316 2101900 - Disclosure - Provisions and other non-current liabilities Network

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317 Statement [table] Table

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318 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
319 Provisions and other non-current liabilities Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfOtherProvisionsContingentLiabilitiesAndContingentAssetsExplanatory
320 2102000 - Disclosure - Current financial debt and derivative financial instruments Network

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321 Statement [table] Table

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322 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
323 Current financial debt and derivative financial instruments Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfCurrentFinancialDebtAndDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock
324 2102100 - Disclosure - Provisions and other current liabilities Network

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325 Statement [table] Table

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326 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
327 Provisions and other current liabilities Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfProvisionsAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesExplanatoryTextBlock
328 2102200 - Disclosure - Details to the consolidated statements of cash flows Network

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329 Statement [table] Table

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330 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
331 Details to the consolidated statements of cash flows Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfCashFlowStatementExplanatory
332 2102300 - Disclosure - Acquisitions of businesses Network

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333 Statement [table] Table

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334 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
335 Acquisition of businesses Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfBusinessCombinationsExplanatory
336 2102400 - Disclosure - Post-employment benefits for associates Network

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337 Statement [table] Table

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338 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
339 Post-employment benefits for associates Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfEmployeeBenefitsExplanatory
340 2102500 - Disclosure - Equity-based participation plans for associates Network

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341 Statement [table] Table

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342 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
343 Equity-based participation plans for associates Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementsExplanatory
344 2102600 - Disclosure - Transactions with related parties Network

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345 Statement [table] Table

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346 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
347 Transactions with related parties Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfRelatedPartyExplanatory
348 2102700 - Disclosure - Commitments and contingencies Network

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349 Statement [table] Table

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350 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
351 Commitments and contingencies Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfCommitmentsAndContingenciesTextBlock
352 2102800 - Disclosure - Financial instruments - additional disclosures Network

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353 Statement [table] Table

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354 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
355 Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [text block] Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutFinancialInstrumentsExplanatory
356 2102900 - Disclosure - Impacts of adoption of new IFRS standards Network

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357 Statement [table] Table

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358 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
359 Impacts of adoption of new IFRS standards [text block] Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ImpactsOfAdoptionOfNewIFRSStandardsTextBlock
360 2103000 - Disclosure - Events subsequent to the December 31 consolidated balance sheet date Network

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361 Statement [table] Table

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362 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
363 Events subsequent to the December 31 consolidated balance sheet date Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfEventsAfterReportingPeriodExplanatory
364 2103100 - Disclosure - Principal Group subsidiaries and associated companies Network

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365 Statement [table] Table

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366 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
367 Principal Group subsidiaries and associated companies Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesExplanatory
368 2200100 - Disclosure - Significant accounting policies (Policies) Network

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369 Statement [table] Table

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370 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
371 Scope of consolidation Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForSubsidiariesExplanatory
372 Foreign currencies Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForForeignCurrencyTranslationExplanatory
373 Acquisition of assets Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForBusinessCombinationsExplanatory
374 Property plant and equipment Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForPropertyPlantAndEquipmentExplanatory
375 Goodwill Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForGoodwillExplanatory
376 Intangible assets available-for-use Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForIntangibleAssetsAvailableforuseTextBlock
377 Intangible assets not yet available-for-use Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForIntangibleAssetsNotYetAvailableforuseTextBlock
378 Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForImpairmentOfGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTextBlock
379 Impairment of associated companies accounted for at equity Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForImpairmentOfAssociatedCompaniesAccountedForAtEquityTextBlock
380 Cash and cash equivalents Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForFinancialAssetsCashAndCashEquivalentsTextBlock
381 Marketable securities, commodities and non-current financial assets Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForFinancialAssetsMarketableSecuritiesCommoditiesAndNoncurrentFinancialAssetsTextBlock
382 Description of accounting policy for financial assets [text block] Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForFinancialAssetsExplanatory
383 Inventories Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForMeasuringInventories
384 Trade receivables Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForTradeAndOtherReceivablesExplanatory
385 Legal and environmental liabilities Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForProvisionsExplanatory
386 Contingent consideration Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForContingentLiabilitiesAndContingentAssetsExplanatory
387 Defined benefit pension plans and other post retirement benefits Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForEmployeeBenefitsExplanatory
388 Treasury Shares Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForTreasurySharesExplanatory
389 Revenue recognition Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForRecognitionOfRevenue
390 Research and development Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseExplanatory
391 Share based compensation Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForSharebasedPaymentTransactionsExplanatory
392 Government grants Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForGovernmentGrants
393 Restructuring charges Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForDecommissioningRestorationAndRehabilitationProvisionsExplanatory
394 Taxes Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForIncomeTaxExplanatory
395 Non-current assets held for sale Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForNoncurrentAssetsOrDisposalGroupsClassifiedAsHeldForSaleExplanatory
396 Transaction costs recorded in Equity Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:TransactionCostsRecordedInEquityTextBlock
397 Impact of adopting significant new IFRS standards in 2018 Concept (Text/String) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfNatureOfChangeInAccountingPolicy
398 New IFRS standards effective as of January 1, 2019 Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfExpectedImpactOfInitialApplicationOfNewStandardsOrInterpretations
399 Description of accounting policy for available-for-sale financial assets [text block] Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForAvailableforsaleFinancialAssetsExplanatory
400 Description of accounting policy for financial instruments [text block] Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForFinancialInstrumentsExplanatory
401 Description of accounting policy for Revenue from Contracts with Customers [text block] Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTextBlock
402 Other revenue Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DescriptionOfAccountingPolicyForOtherRevenueTextBlock
403 2300100 - Disclosure - Significant accounting policies (Tables) Network

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404 Statement [table] Table

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405 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
406 Respective Useful Lives of property, plant and equipment Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:RespectiveUsefulLivesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTableTextBlock
407 Respective Useful Lives of Available-for-Use Intangible Assets Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:RespectiveUsefulLivesOfAvailableforUseIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock
408 2300200 - Disclosure - Significant transactions (Tables) Network

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409 Statement [table] Table

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410 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
411 Assets of disposal group classified as held for sale Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfAssetsOfDisposalGroupClassifiedAsHeldForSaleTableTextBlock
412 Liabilities of disposal group classified as held for sale Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfLiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupClassifiedAsHeldForSaleTableTextBlock
413 2300300 - Disclosure - Segmentation of key figures (Tables) Network

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414 Statement [table] Table

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415 Segments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentsAxis
416 Segments [member] Member ifrs-full:SegmentsMember
417 Innovative Medicines Member nvs:InnovativeMedicinesMember
418 Sandoz [member] Member nvs:SandozMember
419 Alcon [member] Member nvs:AlconMember
420 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
421 Segmentation - Consolidated income statements Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsExplanatory
422 Segmentation - Consolidated balance sheets Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsBalanceSheetTableTextBlock
423 Net sales and total of selected non-current assets, by countries and regions Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsByCountriesAndRegionsTableTextBlock
424 Net sales and selected non-current assets, by countries and regions Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfNetSalesAndSelectedNoncurrentAssetsByCountriesAndRegionsTableTextBlock
425 Net sales by region Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfNetSalesBySegementsAndRegionsTableTextBlock
426 Net sales by business franchise Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsNetSalesByBusinessFranchiseTableTextBlock
427 Other revenue Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsOtherRevenueTableTextBlock
428 Net sales of Top 20 products Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsNetSalesOfTop20ProductsTableTextBlock
429 2300400 - Disclosure - Associated companies (Tables) Network

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430 Statement [table] Table

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431 Associates [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesAxis
432 Entity's total for associates [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForAssociatesMember
433 Roche Holding AG, Switzerland Member nvs:RocheHoldingAGMember
434 GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings Ltd., UK Member nvs:GlaxoSmithKlineConsumerHealthcareHoldingsLtdMember
435 Others Member nvs:OthersAssociatesMember
436 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
437 Schedule disclosing information related to associates Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesExplanatory
438 Schedule disclosing information related to associates, balance sheet value Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfAssociatesBalanceSheetTableTextBlock
439 Associates summarized financial information Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:AssociatesSummarizedFinancialInformationTableTextBlock
440 Purchase price allocation associates Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:PurchasePriceAllocationAssociatesTableTextBlock
441 Schedule disclosing information related to associates, net income effect Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfAssociatesNetIncomeEffectTableTextBlock
442 2300500 - Disclosure - Interest expense and other financial income and expense (Tables) Network

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443 Statement [table] Table

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444 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
445 Interest expense Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:InterestExpenseTableTextBlock
446 Other financial income and expense Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:OtherFinancialIncomeAndExpenseTableTextBlock
447 2300600 - Disclosure - Taxes (Tables) Network

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448 Statement [table] Table

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449 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
450 Income before taxes Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:IncomeBeforeTaxesTableTextBlock
451 Current and deferred income tax expense Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:CurrentAndDeferredIncomeTaxExpenseTableTextBlock
452 Analysis of tax rate Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:AnalysisOfTaxRateTableTextBlock
453 2300700 - Disclosure - Earnings per share (Tables) Network

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454 Statement [table] Table

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455 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
456 Earnings per share Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock
457 2300800 - Disclosure - Changes in consolidated statements of comprehensive income (Tables) Network

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458 Statement [table] Table

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459 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
460 Comprehensive income Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ScheduleOfComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock
461 Schedule of share value adjustments currency translation effects Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ScheduleOfShareValueAdjustmentsCurrencyTranslationEffectsTableTextBlock
462 Fair value adjustments financial instruments reconciliation Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:FairValueAdjustmentsFinancialInstrumentsReconciliationTableTextBlock
463 Schedule of defined benefit plan amounts recognized in other comprehensive income Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeTableTextBlock
464 2300900 - Disclosure - Property, plant and equipment (Tables) Network

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465 Statement [table] Table

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466 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
467 Movements of property, plant and equipment Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTableTextBlock
468 2301000 - Disclosure - Goodwill and intangible assets (Tables) Network

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469 Statement [table] Table

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470 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
471 Movements of goodwill and intangible assets Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfMovementsOfGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsTextBlock
472 Allocation of net book values of goodwill and intangible assets by reporting segment Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:AllocationNetBookValuesIntangibleAssetsandGoodwillTextBlock
473 Assumptions used in the calculation of valuation Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:AssumptionsUsedInTheCalculationOfValuationTextBlock
474 Intangible asset impairment charges Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:IntangibleAssetImpairmentChargesTextBlock
475 2301100 - Disclosure - Deferred tax assets and liabilities (Tables) Network

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476 Statement [table] Table

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477 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
478 Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock
479 Deferred tax assets/liabilities, expected to have impact on current taxes payable Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesExpectedToHaveImpactOnCurrentTaxesPayableTableTextBlock
480 Unremitted earnings retained by consolidated entities for reinvestment Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfUnremittedEarningsRetainedByConsolidatedEntitiesForReinvestmentTableTextBlock
481 Temporary differences on which no deferred tax assets have been provided Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:TemporaryDifferencesOnWhichNoDeferredTaxAssetsHaveBeenProvidedTableTextBlock
482 Gross value of tax-loss carry-forwards Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfTemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsExplanatory
483 US Corporate tax rate, impact on the revaluation of deferred assets and liabilities and current income tax liabilities Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:USCorporateTaxRateImpactOnTheRevaluationOfDeferredAssetsAndLiabilitiesAndCurrentIncomeTaxliabilitiesTextBlock
484 2301200 - Disclosure - Financial and other non-current assets (Tables) Network

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485 Statement [table] Table

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486 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
487 Financial assets Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfFinancialAssetsTableTextBlock
488 Other non-current assets Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfOtherNoncurrentAssetsTableTextBlock
489 Minimum finance lease payments Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfMinimumFinanceLeasePaymentsTableTextBlock
490 2301300 - Disclosure - Inventories (Tables) Network

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491 Statement [table] Table

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492 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
493 Inventories by class Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ScheduleOfInventoryCurrentTableTextBlock
494 Amount of inventory recognized as an expense in cost of goods sold Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfAmountOfInventoryRecognizedAsAnExpenseInCostOfGoodsSoldTableTextBlock
495 Recognized amount of inventory provisions and reversals of inventory provision Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfRecognizedAmountOfInventoryProvisionsAndReversalsOfInventoryProvisionTableTextBlock
496 2301400 - Disclosure - Trade receivables (Tables) Network

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497 Statement [table] Table

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498 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
499 Provisions for trade receivables Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ProvisionsForTradeReceivablesTableTextBlock
500 Trade receivables provision movements Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:TradeReceivablesProvisionMovementsTableTextBlock
501 Overdue amounts and related provision Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:OverdueAmountsAndRelatedProvisionsTableTextBlock
502 Gross trade receivable from closely monitored countries Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:GrossTradeReceivableFromCloselyMonitoredCountriesTableTextBlock
503 Trade receivables denominated in other currencies Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:TradeReceivablesDenominatedInOtherCurrenciesTableTextBlock
504 2301500 - Disclosure - Marketable securities, commodities, time deposits, derivative financial instruments and cash and cash equivalents (Tables) Network

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505 Statement [table] Table

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506 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
507 Marketable securities, commodities, timedeposits, and derivative financial instruments Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:MarketableSecuritiesCommoditiesTimedepositsAndDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTableTextBlock
508 Debt securities, breakdown by currency Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DebtSecuritiesBreakdownByCurrencyTableTextBlock
509 Cash and cash equivalents Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:CashAndCashEquivalentsTableTextBlock
510 2301600 - Disclosure - Other current assets (Tables) Network

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511 Statement [table] Table

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512 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
513 Other current assets Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:OtherCurrentAssetsTableTextBlock
514 2301700 - Disclosure - Equity (Tables) Network

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515 Statement [table] Table

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516 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
517 Schedule disclosing information related to movement in the share capital Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:MovementInTheShareCapitalTableTextBlock
518 Schedule disclosing information related to movement in the shares Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:MovementInTheShareslTableTextBlock
519 Schedule disclosing information related to Dividend Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DividendTableTextBlock
520 Schedule disclosing information related treasury shares movements Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:SummaryOfTreasurySharesMovementsTableTextBlock
521 2301800 - Disclosure - Non-current financial debt (Tables) Network

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522 Statement [table] Table

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523 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
524 Disclosure of non-current portion of non-current borrowings by type Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfNoncurrentPortionOfNoncurrentBorrowingsByTypeTableTextBlock
525 Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsTableTextBlock
526 Non-current financial debt including current portion by maturity Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfNoncurrentFinancialDebtIncludingCurrentPortionByMaturityTableTextBlock
527 Non-current financial debt including current portion by currency Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfNoncurrentFinancialDebtIncludingCurrentPortionByCurrencyTableTextBlock
528 Comparison of balance sheet and fair value of total non-current financial debt including current portion Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfComparisonOfBalanceSheetAndFairValueOfTotalNoncurrentFinancialDebtIncludingCurrentPortionTableTextBlock
529 Collaerallized non-current financial debt and pledged assets Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfCollaerallizedNoncurrentFinancialDebtAndPledgedAssetsTableTextBlock
530 2301900 - Disclosure - Provisions and other non-current liabilities (Tables) Network

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531 Statement [table] Table

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534 Accrual for environmental loss contingencies [table text block] Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesTableTextBlock
535 Accrual for environmental loss contingencies, fiscal year maturity [table text block] Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingenciesFiscalYearMaturityTableTextBlock
536 Accrual for product liabilities government investigations other legal matters loss contingencies [table text block] Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:AccrualForProductLiabilitiesGovernmentInvestigationsOtherLegalMattersLossContingenciesTableTextBlock
537 2302000 - Disclosure - Current financial debt and derivative financial instruments (Tables) Network

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541 2302100 - Disclosure - Provisions and other current liabilities (Tables) Network

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544 Provisions and other current liabilities Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ScheduleOfProvisionsAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesTableTextBlock
545 Provisions for reduction of revenue Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ProvisionsForReductionOfRevenueTableTextBlock
546 Restructuring provisions movements Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:RestructuringProvisionsMovementsTableTextBlock
547 2302200 - Disclosure - Details to the consolidated statements of cash flows (Tables) Network

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551 Cash flows from changes in working capital and other operating items included in operating cash flow from continuing operations Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:CashFlowsFromChangesInWorkingCapitalAndOtherOperatingItemsIncludedInOperatingCashFlowFromContinuingOperationsTableTextBlock
552 Cash flows arising from acquisitions and divestments of businesses Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:CashFlowsArisingFromAcquisitionsAndDivestmentsOfBusinessesTableTextBlock
553 Cash flows from discontinued operations Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:CashFlowsFromDiscontinuedOperationsTableTextBlock
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559 2302400 - Disclosure - Post-employment benefits for associates (Tables) Network

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566 Summary of the funded and unfunded defined benefit obligation for pension and other post retirement benefit plans table Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfDefinedBenefitPlansTableTextBlock
567 Reconciliation of the net liability table Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAssetTableTextBlock
568 Breakdown of defined benefit obligation for pension plans and other post-employment benefit Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:BreakdownOfDefinedBenefitObligationForPensionPlansTableTextBlock
569 Principal weighted average actuarial assumptions Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ScheduleOfAssumptionsUsedTableTextBlock
570 The sensitivity of the defined benefit pension obligation to the principal actuarial assumptions Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ScheduleOfSensitivityAnalysisForActuarialAssumptionsTableTextBlock
571 The healthcare cost trend rate assumptions used for other post-employment benefits Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ScheduleOfHealthCareCostTrendRatesTableTextBlock
572 The weighted average plan asset allocation of funded defined benefit pension plans Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTableTextBlock
573 Asset allocation, investments in shares of Novartis AG Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ScheduleOfAssetAllocationInvestmentsInSharesOfNovartisAGTableTextBlock
574 The expected future cash flows in respect of pension and other post- employment benefit plans Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ScheduleOfExpectedBenefitPaymentsTableTextBlock
575 Defined contribution plans Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ScheduleOfDefinedContributionPlansTableTextBlock
576 2302500 - Disclosure - Equity-based participation plans for associates (Tables) Network

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586 Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfNumberAndWeightedAverageRemainingContractualLifeOfOutstandingShareOptionsExplanatory
587 Disclosure of range of exercise prices of outstanding share options Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfRangeOfExercisePricesOfOutstandingShareOptionsExplanatory
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589 Schedule of share-based compensation, activity Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ScheduleOfSharebasedCompensationActivityTableTextBlock
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593 Executive Officers and Non-Executive Directors Compensation Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:OfficerAndDirectorCompensationTableTextBlock
594 Transactions with former members of the Board of Directors Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:TransactionsWithFormerMembersOfTheBoardOfDirectorsTableTextBlock
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598 Leasing commitments Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfLeasingCommitmentsTableTextBlock
599 Research and Development and other intangible purchase commitments Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfResearchAndDevelopmentCommitmentsTableTextBlock
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604 Derivative financial instruments Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsExplanatory
605 Contract or underlying principal amount the derivative financial instruments, by currency Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsContractOrUnderlyingPrincipalAmountTheDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsByCurrencyTableTextBlock
606 Fair value by hierarchy Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFairValueMeasurementExplanatory
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608 Equity securities measured at fair value through other comprehensive income Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFairValueOfEachInvestmentInEquityInstrumentsDesignatedAsMeasuredAtFairValueThroughOtherComprehensiveIncomeExplanatory
609 Monitoring of net debt or liquidity based on contractual maturities Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfMonitoringOfNetDebtOrLiquidityBasedOnContractualMaturitiesTableTextBlock
610 Derivative financial instruments and accrued interest on derivative financial instruments Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndAccruedInterestOnDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTableTextBlock
611 Other contractual liabilities of the net debt or liquidity Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfOtherContractualLiabilitiesOfTheNetDebtOrLiquidityTableTextBlock
612 Ten day loss fair value VAR model Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfTenDayLossFairValueVARModelTableTextBlock
613 Ten day loss fair value VAR model, average, high, and low VAR amounts Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfTenDayLossFairValueVARModelAverageHighAndLowVARAmountsTableTextBlock
614 Ten day loss fair value VAR model, worst case loss scenario Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:DisclosureOfTenDayLossFairValueVARModelWorstCaseLossScenarioTableTextBlock
615 2302900 - Disclosure - Impacts of adoption of new IFRS standards (Tables) Network

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618 Consolidated balance sheet by the adoption of IFRS 15 [table text block] Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ConsolidatedBalanceSheetByTheAdoptionOfIFRS15TableTextBlock
619 Consolidated statement of changes in equity by the adoption of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 [table text block] Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:ConsolidatedStatementOfChangesInEquityByTheAdoptionOfIFRS9AndIFRS15TableTextBlock
620 Financial instruments additional disclosures table by the adoption of IFRS 9 [table text block] Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:FinancialInstrumentsAdditionalDisclosuresTableByTheAdoptionOfIFRS9TableTextBlock
621 2303100 - Disclosure - Principal Group subsidiaries and associated companies (Tables) Network

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624 Principal Group subsidiaries and associated companies Concept (Text Block (HTML)) For Period nvs:PrincipalGroupSubsidiariesAndAssociatedCompaniesTableTextBlock
625 2400100 - Disclosure - Significant accounting policies (Details) Network

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626 Statement [table] Table

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636 Computer equipment Member ifrs-full:ComputerEquipmentMember
637 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
638 Property, plant and equipment useful lives Concept (Text/String) For Period ifrs-full:UsefulLivesOrDepreciationRatesPropertyPlantAndEquipment
639 2400101 - Disclosure - Significant accounting policies (Details 2) Network

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640 Statement [table] Table

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658 2400102 - Disclosure - Significant accounting policies (Details 3) Network

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669 2400200 - Disclosure - Significant transactions (Details) Network

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670 Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [table] Table

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760 2400201 - Disclosure - Significant transactions (Details 2) Network

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781 2400300 - Disclosure - Segmentation of key figures (Details) Network

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794 2400301 - Disclosure - Segmentation of key figures (Details 1) Network

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797 Entity's total for segment consolidation items [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForSegmentConsolidationItemsMember
798 Operating segments [member] Member ifrs-full:OperatingSegmentsMember
799 Material reconciling items [member] Member ifrs-full:MaterialReconcilingItemsMember
800 Segments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentsAxis
801 Segments [member] Member ifrs-full:SegmentsMember
802 Innovative Medicines Member nvs:InnovativeMedicinesMember
803 Sandoz Member nvs:SandozMember
804 Alcon Member nvs:AlconMember
805 Corporate Member nvs:CorporateMember
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807 Net sales to third parties Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdParties
808 Sales to other segments Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsSalesToOtherSegments
809 Net sales Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:RevenueFromSaleOfGoods
810 Other revenues Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherRevenue
811 Cost of goods sold Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:CostOfSales
812 Gross profit Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:GrossProfit
813 Selling, general and administration Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
814 Research and Development Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
815 General and Administration Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AdministrativeExpense
816 Other income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherIncome
817 Other expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:OtherExpenseByFunction
818 Operating income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLossFromOperatingActivities
819 Income from associated companies Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ShareOfProfitLossOfAssociatesAndJointVenturesAccountedForUsingEquityMethod
820 Interest expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:InterestExpense
821 Other financial income and expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherFinanceIncomeCost
822 Income before taxes Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLossBeforeTax
823 Taxes Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:IncomeTaxExpenseContinuingOperations
824 Net income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLossFromContinuingOperations
825 Net income/loss from discontinued operations Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLossFromDiscontinuedOperations
826 Net income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLoss
827 Attributable to Abstract ifrs-full:ProfitLossAttributableToAbstract
828 Shareholders of Novartis AG Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLossAttributableToOwnersOfParent
829 Non-controlling interests Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests
830 2400302 - Disclosure - Segmentation of key figures (Details 2) Network

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831 Disclosure of operating segments [table] Table

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832 Segment consolidation items [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis
833 Entity's total for segment consolidation items [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForSegmentConsolidationItemsMember
834 Operating segments [member] Member ifrs-full:OperatingSegmentsMember
835 Material reconciling items [member] Member ifrs-full:MaterialReconcilingItemsMember
836 Segments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentsAxis
837 Segments [member] Member ifrs-full:SegmentsMember
838 Innovative Medicines Member nvs:InnovativeMedicinesMember
839 Sandoz Member nvs:SandozMember
840 Alcon Member nvs:AlconMember
841 Corporate Member nvs:CorporateMember
842 Classes of assets [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfAssetsAxis
843 Assets [member] Member ifrs-full:ClassesOfAssetsMember
844 Property, plant and equipment [member] Member ifrs-full:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember
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846 Continuing and discontinued operations [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
847 Aggregate continuing and discontinued operations [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregateContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsMember
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849 Disclosure of operating segments [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems
850 Interest income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:RevenueFromInterest
851 Depreciation and amortisation expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:DepreciationAndAmortisationExpense
852 Impairment loss (reversal of impairment loss) recognised in profit or loss Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ImpairmentLossReversalOfImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLoss
853 Impairment charges and fair value gains on financial assets, net Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ImpairmentChargesAndFairValueGainsOnFinancialAssetsNet
854 Additions to restructuring provisions Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:AdditionsToRestructuringProvisions
855 Equity-based compensation of Novartis equity plans Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ExpenseFromSharebasedPaymentTransactionsWithEmployees
856 2400303 - Disclosure - Segmentation of key figures (Details 3) Network

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857 Disclosure of operating segments [table] Table

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858 Segment consolidation items [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis
859 Entity's total for segment consolidation items [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForSegmentConsolidationItemsMember
860 Operating segments [member] Member ifrs-full:OperatingSegmentsMember
861 Material reconciling items [member] Member ifrs-full:MaterialReconcilingItemsMember
862 Segments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentsAxis
863 Segments [member] Member ifrs-full:SegmentsMember
864 Innovative Medicines Member nvs:InnovativeMedicinesMember
865 Sandoz Member nvs:SandozMember
866 Alcon Member nvs:AlconMember
867 Corporate Member nvs:CorporateMember
868 Disclosure of operating segments [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems
869 Total assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:Assets
870 Total liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:Liabilities
871 Total equity Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:Equity
872 Net debt Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:NetDebt
873 Net operating assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:NetOperatingAssets
874 Property, plant and equipment Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:PropertyPlantAndEquipment
875 Additions to property, plant and equipment Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AdditionsOtherThanThroughBusinessCombinationsPropertyPlantAndEquipment
876 Intangible assets and goodwill Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill
877 Additions to intangible assets and goodwill Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AdditionsOtherThanThroughBusinessCombinationsIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill
878 Investments in associated companies Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:InvestmentAccountedForUsingEquityMethod
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880 Cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, commodities, time deposits and derivative financial instruments Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:CashAndCashEquivalentsMarketableSecuritiesCommoditiesTimeDepositsAndDerivativeFinancialInstruments
881 Financial debts and derivative instruments Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:FinancialDebtsAndDerivativeInstruments
882 Current income tax and deferred tax liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:CurrentIncomeTaxAndDeferredTaxLiabilities
883 2400304 - Disclosure - Segmentation of key figures (Details 4) Network

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884 Disclosure of operating segments [table] Table

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885 Geographical areas [axis] Axis ifrs-full:GeographicalAreasAxis
886 Geographical areas [member] Member ifrs-full:GeographicalAreasMember
887 Switzerland Member ifrs-full:CountryOfDomicileMember
888 US Member country:US
889 UK Member country:GB
890 Germany Member country:DE
891 France Member country:FR
892 Japan Member country:JP
893 Other Member nvs:OtherCountriesMember
894 Disclosure of operating segments [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems
895 Net sales to third parties Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdParties
896 Net sales (in % of total net sales) Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdPartiesAsPercentOfTotalNetSales
897 Total of selected non-current assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:SelectedNoncurrentAssets
898 Selected non-current assets (in % of total selected non-current assets) Concept (Percent) As Of nvs:SelectedNoncurrentAssetsAsPercentOfTotalSelectedNoncurrentAssets
899 2400305 - Disclosure - Segmentation of key figures (Details 5) Network

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900 Disclosure of operating segments [table] Table

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901 Geographical regions [axis] Axis nvs:GeographicalRegionsAxis
902 Geographical regions [member] Member nvs:GeographicalRegionsMember
903 Europe [member] Member nvs:EuropeMember
904 Americas [member] Member nvs:AmericasMember
905 Asia/Africa/Australasia [member] Member nvs:AsiaAfricaAustralasiaMember
906 Disclosure of operating segments [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems
907 Net sales to third parties Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdParties
908 Net sales (in % of total net sales) Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdPartiesAsPercentOfTotalNetSales
909 Total of selected non-current assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:SelectedNoncurrentAssets
910 Selected non-current assets (in % of total selected non-current assets) Concept (Percent) As Of nvs:SelectedNoncurrentAssetsAsPercentOfTotalSelectedNoncurrentAssets
911 2400306 - Disclosure - Segmentation of key figures (Details 6) Network

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912 Disclosure of major customers [table] Table

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913 Major customers [axis] Axis ifrs-full:MajorCustomersAxis
914 Customers [member] Member ifrs-full:MajorCustomersMember
915 Largest customer [member] Member nvs:LargestCustomerMember
916 Second largest customer [member] Member nvs:SecondLargestCustomerMember
917 Third largest customer [member] Member nvs:ThirdLargestCustomerMember
918 Disclosure of major customers [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfMajorCustomersLineItems
919 Percentage of entity's revenue Concept (Percent) For Period ifrs-full:PercentageOfEntitysRevenue
920 Highest amount of trade receivables Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:HighestAmountOfTradeReceivables
921 Customers with net sales over five percent Concept (Text/String) For Period nvs:CustomersWithNetSalesOverFivePercent
922 2400307 - Disclosure - Segmentation of key figures (Details 7) Network

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923 Disclosure of operating segments [table] Table

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924 Segment consolidation items [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis
925 Entity's total for segment consolidation items [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForSegmentConsolidationItemsMember
926 Operating segments [member] Member ifrs-full:OperatingSegmentsMember
927 Segments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentsAxis
928 Segments [member] Member ifrs-full:SegmentsMember
929 Innovative Medicines Member nvs:InnovativeMedicinesMember
930 Business unit [axis] Axis nvs:BusinessUnitAxis
931 Business unit [member] Member nvs:BusinessUnitMember
932 Oncology [member] Member nvs:OncologyMember
933 Pharmaceutical [member] Member nvs:PharmaceuticalMember
934 Franchise [axis] Axis nvs:FranchiseAxis
935 Franchise [member] Member nvs:FranchiseMember
936 Ophthalmology [member] Member nvs:OphthalmologyMember
937 Neuroscience [member] Member nvs:NeuroscienceMember
938 Respiratory [member] Member nvs:RespiratoryMember
939 Cardio-Metabolic [member] Member nvs:CardioMetabolicMember
940 Established Medicines [member] Member nvs:EstablishedMedicinesMember
941 Immunology, Hepatology and Dermatology [member] Member nvs:ImmunologyHepatologyAndDermatologyMember
942 Product portfolio [axis] Axis nvs:ProductPortfolioAxis
943 Product portfolio [member] Member nvs:ProductPortfolioMember
944 COPD [member] Member nvs:COPDMember
945 Products and services [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ProductsAndServicesAxis
946 Products and services [member] Member ifrs-full:ProductsAndServicesMember
947 Gleevec/Glivec [member] Member nvs:GleevecGlivecMember
948 Tasigna [member] Member nvs:TasignaMember
949 Sandostatin [member] Member nvs:SandostatinMember
950 Afinitor/Votubia [member] Member nvs:AfinitorVotubiaMember
951 Exjade/Jadenu [member] Member nvs:ExjadeJadenuMember
952 Tafinlar + Mekinist [member] Member nvs:TafinlarMekinistMember
953 Promacta/Revolade [member] Member nvs:PromactaRevoladeMember
954 Votrient [member] Member nvs:VotrientMember
955 Jakavi [member] Member nvs:JakaviMember
956 Kisqali [member] Member nvs:KisqaliMember
957 Lutathera [member] Member nvs:LutatheraMember
958 Kymriah [member] Member nvs:KymriahMember
959 Lucentis [member] Member nvs:LucentisMember
960 Travoprost Group [member] Member nvs:TravoprostGroupMember
961 Systane Group [member] Member nvs:SystaneGroupMember
962 Topical Olopatadine Group [member] Member nvs:TopicalOlopatadineGroupMember
963 Cosentyx [member] Member nvs:CosentyxMember
964 Zortress/Certican [member] Member nvs:ZortressCerticanMember
965 Ilaris [member] Member nvs:IlarisMember
966 Myfortic [member] Member nvs:MyforticMember
967 Gilenya [member] Member nvs:GilenyaMember
968 Ultibro Breezhaler [member] Member nvs:UltibroBreezhalerMember
969 Seebri Breezhaler [member] Member nvs:SeebriBreezhalerMember
970 Onbrez Breezhaler [member] Member nvs:OnbrezBreezhalerMember
971 Xolair [member] Member nvs:XolairMember
972 Entresto [member] Member nvs:EntrestoMember
973 Galvus Group [member] Member nvs:GalvusGroupMember
974 Diovan Group [member] Member nvs:DiovanGroupMember
975 Exforge Group [member] Member nvs:ExforgeGroupMember
976 Neoral/Sandimmun(e) [member] Member nvs:NeoralSandimmunEMember
977 Voltaren/Cataflam [member] Member nvs:VoltarenCataflamMember
978 Exelon/Exelon Patch [member] Member nvs:ExelonExelonPatchMember
979 Ritalin/Focalin [member] Member nvs:RitalinFocalinMember
980 Other [member] Member nvs:OtherProductsMember
981 Change over period [axis] Axis nvs:ChangeOverPeriodAxis
982 Change over period [member] Member nvs:ChangeOverPeriodMember
983 YTD [member] Member nvs:YTDMember
984 QoQ [member] Member nvs:QoQMember
985 Disclosure of operating segments [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems
986 Net sales to third parties Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdParties
987 Net sales, change in % Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdPartiesChangeInPercent
988 2400308 - Disclosure - Segmentation of key figures (Details 8) Network

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989 Disclosure of operating segments [table] Table

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990 Segment consolidation items [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis
991 Entity's total for segment consolidation items [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForSegmentConsolidationItemsMember
992 Operating segments [member] Member ifrs-full:OperatingSegmentsMember
993 Segments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentsAxis
994 Segments [member] Member ifrs-full:SegmentsMember
995 Sandoz [member] Member nvs:SandozMember
996 Franchise [axis] Axis nvs:FranchiseAxis
997 Franchise [member] Member nvs:FranchiseMember
998 Retail Generics [member] Member nvs:RetailGenericsMember
999 Biopharmaceuticals [member] Member nvs:BiopharmaceuticalsMember
1000 Anti Infectives [member] Member nvs:AntiInfectivesMember
1001 Product portfolio [axis] Axis nvs:ProductPortfolioAxis
1002 Product portfolio [member] Member nvs:ProductPortfolioMember
1003 Anti Infectives sold under Sandoz name [member] Member nvs:AntiInfectivesSoldUnderSandozNameMember
1004 Change over period [axis] Axis nvs:ChangeOverPeriodAxis
1005 Change over period [member] Member nvs:ChangeOverPeriodMember
1006 YTD [member] Member nvs:YTDMember
1007 QoQ [member] Member nvs:QoQMember
1008 Disclosure of operating segments [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems
1009 Net sales to third parties Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdParties
1010 Net sales, change in % Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdPartiesChangeInPercent
1011 2400309 - Disclosure - Segmentation of key figures (Details 9) Network

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1012 Disclosure of operating segments [table] Table

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1013 Segment consolidation items [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis
1014 Entity's total for segment consolidation items [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForSegmentConsolidationItemsMember
1015 Operating segments [member] Member ifrs-full:OperatingSegmentsMember
1016 Segments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentsAxis
1017 Segments [member] Member ifrs-full:SegmentsMember
1018 Alcon [member] Member nvs:AlconMember
1019 Franchise [axis] Axis nvs:FranchiseAxis
1020 Franchise [member] Member nvs:FranchiseMember
1021 Surgical [member] Member nvs:SurgicalMember
1022 Vision Care [member] Member nvs:VisionCareMember
1023 Product portfolio [axis] Axis nvs:ProductPortfolioAxis
1024 Product portfolio [member] Member nvs:ProductPortfolioMember
1025 Consumables [member] Member nvs:ConsumablesMember
1026 Implantables [member] Member nvs:ImplantablesMember
1027 Equipment/Other [member] Member nvs:EquipmentOtherMember
1028 Contact Lenses [member] Member nvs:ContactLensesMember
1029 Ocular health [member] Member nvs:OcularHealthMember
1030 Ophthalmic OTC [member] Member nvs:OphthalmicOTCMember
1031 Change over period [axis] Axis nvs:ChangeOverPeriodAxis
1032 Change over period [member] Member nvs:ChangeOverPeriodMember
1033 YTD [member] Member nvs:YTDMember
1034 QoQ [member] Member nvs:QoQMember
1035 Disclosure of operating segments [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems
1036 Net sales to third parties Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdParties
1037 Net sales, change in % Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdPartiesChangeInPercent
1038 2400310 - Disclosure - Segmentation of key figures (Details 10) Network

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1039 Disclosure of operating segments [table] Table

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1040 Segment consolidation items [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis
1041 Entity's total for segment consolidation items [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForSegmentConsolidationItemsMember
1042 Operating segments [member] Member ifrs-full:OperatingSegmentsMember
1043 Material reconciling items [member] Member ifrs-full:MaterialReconcilingItemsMember
1044 Segments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentsAxis
1045 Segments [member] Member ifrs-full:SegmentsMember
1046 Innovative Medicines Member nvs:InnovativeMedicinesMember
1047 Sandoz Member nvs:SandozMember
1048 Alcon Member nvs:AlconMember
1049 Corporate Member nvs:CorporateMember
1050 Disclosure of operating segments [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems
1051 Profit sharing income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ProfitSharingIncome
1052 Royalty income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:RevenueFromRoyalties
1053 Milestone income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:MilestoneIncome
1054 Other Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherRevenueOther
1055 Other revenues Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherRevenue
1056 2400311 - Disclosure - Segmentation of key figures - Top 20 (Details 11) Network

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1057 Disclosure of operating segments [table] Table

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1058 Segment consolidation items [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis
1059 Entity's total for segment consolidation items [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForSegmentConsolidationItemsMember
1060 Operating segments [member] Member ifrs-full:OperatingSegmentsMember
1061 Segments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentsAxis
1062 Segments [member] Member ifrs-full:SegmentsMember
1063 Innovative Medicines Member nvs:InnovativeMedicinesMember
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1065 Geographical regions [member] Member nvs:GeographicalRegionsMember
1066 US [member] Member nvs:USMember
1067 Rest of the world [member] Member nvs:RestOfTheWorldMember
1068 Business unit [axis] Axis nvs:BusinessUnitAxis
1069 Business unit [member] Member nvs:BusinessUnitMember
1070 Oncology [member] Member nvs:OncologyMember
1071 Pharmaceutical [member] Member nvs:PharmaceuticalMember
1072 Franchise [axis] Axis nvs:FranchiseAxis
1073 Franchise [member] Member nvs:FranchiseMember
1074 Ophthalmology [member] Member nvs:OphthalmologyMember
1075 Neuroscience [member] Member nvs:NeuroscienceMember
1076 Respiratory [member] Member nvs:RespiratoryMember
1077 Cardio-Metabolic [member] Member nvs:CardioMetabolicMember
1078 Established Medicines [member] Member nvs:EstablishedMedicinesMember
1079 Immunology, Hepatology and Dermatology [member] Member nvs:ImmunologyHepatologyAndDermatologyMember
1080 Product portfolio [axis] Axis nvs:ProductPortfolioAxis
1081 Product portfolio [member] Member nvs:ProductPortfolioMember
1082 Top 20 products [member] Member nvs:Top20ProductsMember
1083 Rest of portfolio [member] Member nvs:RestOfPortfolioMember
1084 Products and services [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ProductsAndServicesAxis
1085 Products and services [member] Member ifrs-full:ProductsAndServicesMember
1086 Gilenya [member] Member nvs:GilenyaMember
1087 Cosentyx [member] Member nvs:CosentyxMember
1088 Lucentis [member] Member nvs:LucentisMember
1089 Tasigna [member] Member nvs:TasignaMember
1090 Sandostatin [member] Member nvs:SandostatinMember
1091 Gleevec/Glivec [member] Member nvs:GleevecGlivecMember
1092 Afinitor/Votubia [member] Member nvs:AfinitorVotubiaMember
1093 Galvus Group [member] Member nvs:GalvusGroupMember
1094 Promacta/Revolade [member] Member nvs:PromactaRevoladeMember
1095 Tafinlar + Mekinist [member] Member nvs:TafinlarMekinistMember
1096 Exjade/Jadenu [member] Member nvs:ExjadeJadenuMember
1097 Xolair [member] Member nvs:XolairMember
1098 Diovan Group [member] Member nvs:DiovanGroupMember
1099 Entresto [member] Member nvs:EntrestoMember
1100 Exforge Group [member] Member nvs:ExforgeGroupMember
1101 Jakavi [member] Member nvs:JakaviMember
1102 Votrient [member] Member nvs:VotrientMember
1103 Ilaris [member] Member nvs:IlarisMember
1104 Travoprost Group [member] Member nvs:TravoprostGroupMember
1105 Zortress/Certican [member] Member nvs:ZortressCerticanMember
1106 Neoral/Sandimmun(e) [member] Member nvs:NeoralSandimmunEMember
1107 Voltaren/Cataflam [member] Member nvs:VoltarenCataflamMember
1108 Exelon/Exelon Patch [member] Member nvs:ExelonExelonPatchMember
1109 Change over period [axis] Axis nvs:ChangeOverPeriodAxis
1110 Change over period [member] Member nvs:ChangeOverPeriodMember
1111 YTD [member] Member nvs:YTDMember
1112 QoQ [member] Member nvs:QoQMember
1113 Disclosure of operating segments [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems
1114 Net sales to third parties Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdParties
1115 Net sales, change in % Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdPartiesChangeInPercent
1116 2400312 - Disclosure - Segmentation of key figures - Net sales by region (Details 12) Network

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1117 Disclosure of operating segments [table] Table

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1118 Segment consolidation items [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis
1119 Entity's total for segment consolidation items [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForSegmentConsolidationItemsMember
1120 Operating segments [member] Member ifrs-full:OperatingSegmentsMember
1121 Material reconciling items [member] Member ifrs-full:MaterialReconcilingItemsMember
1122 Segments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentsAxis
1123 Segments [member] Member ifrs-full:SegmentsMember
1124 Innovative Medicines Member nvs:InnovativeMedicinesMember
1125 Sandoz Member nvs:SandozMember
1126 Alcon Member nvs:AlconMember
1127 Geographical regions [axis] Axis nvs:GeographicalRegionsAxis
1128 Geographical regions [member] Member nvs:GeographicalRegionsMember
1129 Europe [member] Member nvs:EuropeMember
1130 US [member] Member nvs:USMember
1131 Asia/Africa/Australasia [member] Member nvs:AsiaAfricaAustralasiaMember
1132 Canada and Latin America [member] Member nvs:CanadaAndLatinAmericaMember
1133 Established Markets [member] Member nvs:EstablishedMarketsMember
1134 Emerging Growth Markets [member] Member nvs:EmergingGrowthMarketsMember
1135 Change over period [axis] Axis nvs:ChangeOverPeriodAxis
1136 Change over period [member] Member nvs:ChangeOverPeriodMember
1137 YTD [member] Member nvs:YTDMember
1138 QoQ [member] Member nvs:QoQMember
1139 Disclosure of operating segments [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfOperatingSegmentsLineItems
1140 Net sales to third parties Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdParties
1141 Net sales, change in % Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdPartiesChangeInPercent
1142 2400400 - Disclosure - Associated companies (Details) Network

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1143 Disclosure of associates [table] Table

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 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesTable
1144 Associates [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesAxis
1145 Entity's total for associates [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForAssociatesMember
1146 Roche Holding AG, Switzerland Member nvs:RocheHoldingAGMember
1147 GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings Ltd., UK Member nvs:GlaxoSmithKlineConsumerHealthcareHoldingsLtdMember
1148 Others Member nvs:OthersAssociatesMember
1149 Disclosure of associates [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesLineItems
1150 Net income statement effect Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ShareOfProfitLossOfAssociatesAndJointVenturesAccountedForUsingEquityMethod
1151 Other comprehensive income effect Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ShareOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeOfAssociatesAndJointVenturesAccountedForUsingEquityMethodThatWillBeReclassifiedToProfitOrLossNetOfTax
1152 Total comprehensive income effect Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ShareOfTotalComprehensiveIncomeOfAssociatesAndJointVenturesAccountedForUsingEquityMethod
1153 Recycling of the Novartis share of other comprehensive income from associated companies Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:RecyclingOfTheNovartisShareOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeFromAssociatedCompanies
1154 2400401 - Disclosure - Associated companies (Details 2) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureAssociatedCompaniesDetails2
1155 Disclosure of associates [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesTable
1156 Associates [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesAxis
1157 Entity's total for associates [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForAssociatesMember
1158 Roche Holding AG, Switzerland Member nvs:RocheHoldingAGMember
1159 GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings Ltd., UK Member nvs:GlaxoSmithKlineConsumerHealthcareHoldingsLtdMember
1160 Others Member nvs:OthersAssociatesMember
1161 Disclosure of associates [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesLineItems
1162 Balance sheet value Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:InvestmentAccountedForUsingEquityMethod
1163 2400402 - Disclosure - Associated companies (Details 3) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureAssociatedCompaniesDetails3
1164 Disclosure of associates [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesTable
1165 Range [axis] Axis ifrs-full:RangeAxis
1166 Ranges [member] Member ifrs-full:RangesMember
1167 Top of range [member] Member ifrs-full:TopOfRangeMember
1168 Associates [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesAxis
1169 Entity's total for associates [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForAssociatesMember
1170 Roche Holding AG, Switzerland Member nvs:RocheHoldingAGMember
1171 GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings Ltd., UK Member nvs:GlaxoSmithKlineConsumerHealthcareHoldingsLtdMember
1172 Disclosure of associates [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesLineItems
1173 Proportion of voting rights held in associate Concept (Percent) For Period ifrs-full:ProportionOfVotingPowerHeldInAssociate
1174 Proportion of ownership interest in associate Concept (Percent) For Period ifrs-full:ProportionOfOwnershipInterestInAssociate
1175 Available for use intangible asset useful lives Concept (Text/String) For Period ifrs-full:UsefulLivesOrAmortisationRatesIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill
1176 Dividends received Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:DividendsReceived
1177 Publicly quoted market value of the Novartis interest Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:FairValueOfInvestmentsInAssociatesWherePriceQuotationsPublished
1178 Contribution of business to joint venture Concept (Percent) As Of nvs:ContributionOfBusinessToJointVenture
1179 2400403 - Disclosure - Associated companies (Details 4) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureAssociatedCompaniesDetails4
1180 Associates summarized financial information [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:AssociatesSummarizedFinancialInformationTable
1181 Associates [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesAxis
1182 Entity's total for associates [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForAssociatesMember
1183 Roche Holding AG, Switzerland Member nvs:RocheHoldingAGMember
1184 GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings Ltd., UK Member nvs:GlaxoSmithKlineConsumerHealthcareHoldingsLtdMember
1185 Disclosure of associates [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesLineItems
1186 Current assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CurrentAssets
1187 Non-current assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:NoncurrentAssets
1188 Current liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:CurrentLiabilities
1189 Non-current liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:NoncurrentLiabilities
1190 Revenue Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:Revenue
1191 Profit (loss) Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLoss
1192 Other comprehensive income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherComprehensiveIncome
1193 Comprehensive income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ComprehensiveIncome
1194 2400404 - Disclosure - Associated companies (Details 5) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureAssociatedCompaniesDetails5
1195 Purchase price allocation associates [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:PurchasePriceAllocationAssociatesTable
1196 Associates [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesAxis
1197 Entity's total for associates [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForAssociatesMember
1198 Roche Holding AG, Switzerland Member nvs:RocheHoldingAGMember
1199 GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings Ltd., UK Member nvs:GlaxoSmithKlineConsumerHealthcareHoldingsLtdMember
1200 Disclosure of associates [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesLineItems
1201 Novartis share of estimated net assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ShareOfEstimatedNetAssets
1202 Novartis share of re-appraised intangible assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:RevaluationIncreaseDecreaseIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill
1203 Implicit Novartis goodwill Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AdditionalRecognitionGoodwill
1204 Current value of share in net identifiable assets and goodwill Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:CurrentValueOfShareInNetIdentifiableAssetsAndGoodwill
1205 Accumulated equity accounting adjustments and translation effects less dividends received Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:AccumulatedEquityAccountingAdjustmentsAndTranslationEffectsLessDividendsReceived
1206 Balance sheet value Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:InvestmentAccountedForUsingEquityMethod
1207 2400405 - Disclosure - Associated companies (Details 6) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureAssociatedCompaniesDetails6
1208 Consolidated income statement effects [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:ConsolidatedIncomeStatementEffectsTable
1209 Associates [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesAxis
1210 Entity's total for associates [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForAssociatesMember
1211 Roche Holding AG, Switzerland Member nvs:RocheHoldingAGMember
1212 GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings Ltd., UK Member nvs:GlaxoSmithKlineConsumerHealthcareHoldingsLtdMember
1213 Disclosure of associates [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesLineItems
1214 Novartis share of current year consolidated net income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ShareOfCurrentYearNetIncome
1215 Prior year adjustment Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:PriorYearAdjustment
1216 Amortization of fair value adjustments relating to intangible assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:AmortizationOfFairValueAdjustmentsRelatingToIntangibleAssets
1217 Taxes on Amortization of fair value adjustments relating to intangible assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:TaxesOnAmortizationOfFairValueAdjustmentsRelatingToIntangibleAssets
1218 Gain on divestment Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:GainOnDivestmentOfInterestsInAssociatedCompanies
1219 Net income statement effect Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ShareOfProfitLossOfAssociatesAndJointVenturesAccountedForUsingEquityMethod
1220 Amortization of fair value adjustments relating to intangible assets tax Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:AmortizationOfFairValueAdjustmentsRelatingToIntangibleAssetsTax
1221 2400500 - Disclosure - Interest expense and other financial income and expense (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureInterestExpenseAndOtherFinancialIncomeExpenseDetails
1222 Implied Table Table

*

*

 implied:Table
1223 Interest expense [abstract] Abstract nvs:InterestExpenseAbstract
1224 Interest expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:InterestExpenseExcludingExpenseDueToUnwindingOfDiscountOnProvisions
1225 Income/expense arising from discounting long-term liabilities Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ExpenseDueToUnwindingOfDiscountOnProvisions
1226 Interest expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:InterestExpense
1227 2400501 - Disclosure - Interest expense and other financial income and expense (Details 2) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureInterestExpenseAndOtherFinancialIncomeExpenseDetails2
1228 Implied Table Table

*

*

 implied:Table
1229 Other financial income and expense [abstract] Abstract nvs:OtherFinancialIncomeAndExpenseAbstract
1230 Interest income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:RevenueFromInterest
1231 Dividend income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:RevenueFromDividends
1232 Net capital losses on available-for-sale securities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:GainsLossesOnAvailableforsaleFinancialAssets
1233 Income on forward contracts and options Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IncomeOnForwardContractsAndOptions
1234 Impairment of commodities and available-for-sale securities, net Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ImpairmentLossOnCommoditiesAndAvailableforsaleSecuritiesNet
1235 Other financial expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:OtherFinanceCost
1236 Monetary loss from hyperinflation Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:GainsLossesOnNetMonetaryPosition
1237 Currency result, net Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:GainsLossesOnExchangeDifferencesOnTranslationRecognisedInProfitOrLoss
1238 Total other financial income and expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherFinanceIncomeCost
1239 2400600 - Disclosure - Taxes (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureTaxesDetails
1240 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
1241 Geographical areas [axis] Axis ifrs-full:GeographicalAreasAxis
1242 Geographical areas [member] Member ifrs-full:GeographicalAreasMember
1243 Switzerland Member ifrs-full:CountryOfDomicileMember
1244 Foreign Member ifrs-full:ForeignCountriesMember
1245 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
1246 Income before taxes Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLossBeforeTax
1247 Income loss before taxes from discontinued operations Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLossBeforeTaxDiscontinuedOperations
1248 Total Income before taxes Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:AccountingProfit
1249 2400601 - Disclosure - Taxes (Details 2) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureTaxesDetails2
1250 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
1251 Geographical areas [axis] Axis ifrs-full:GeographicalAreasAxis
1252 Geographical areas [member] Member ifrs-full:GeographicalAreasMember
1253 Switzerland Member ifrs-full:CountryOfDomicileMember
1254 Foreign Member ifrs-full:ForeignCountriesMember
1255 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
1256 Current tax expense (income) Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:CurrentTaxExpenseIncome
1257 Deferred tax expense (income) Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:DeferredTaxExpenseIncome
1258 Income tax expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:IncomeTaxExpenseContinuingOperations
1259 Income tax expense from discontinued operations Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:TaxExpenseIncomeDiscontinuingOperations
1260 Total Income Tax Expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:IncomeTaxExpense
1261 2400602 - Disclosure - Taxes (Details 3) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureTaxesDetails3
1262 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
1263 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
1264 Applicable tax rate Concept (Percent) For Period ifrs-full:ApplicableTaxRate
1265 Effect of disallowed expenditures Concept (Percent) For Period ifrs-full:TaxRateEffectOfExpenseNotDeductibleInDeterminingTaxableProfitTaxLoss
1266 Effect of utilization of tax losses brought forward from prior periods Concept (Percent) For Period ifrs-full:TaxRateEffectOfTaxLosses
1267 Effect of income taxed at reduced rates Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:TaxRateEffectOfIncomeTaxedAtReducedRates
1268 Effect of tax credits and allowances Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:TaxRateEffectOfCreditsAndAllowances
1269 Effect of release of contingent consideration liability Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:TaxRateEffectOfReleaseOfContingentConsiderationLiability
1270 Effect of tax rate change on current and deferred tax assets and liabilities Concept (Percent) For Period ifrs-full:TaxRateEffectFromChangeInTaxRate
1271 Effect of write off of deferred tax assets Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:TaxRateEffectOfWriteOffOfDeferredTaxAssets
1272 Effect of write down and reversal of write down of investments in subsidiaries Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:TaxRateEffectFromWritedownAndReversalOfWritedownOfInvestSubsidiaries
1273 Effect of tax benefits expiring in 2017 Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:TaxRateEffectFromBenefitsExpiring
1274 Effect of non-deductible losses in Venezuela Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:TaxRateEffectFromNondeductibleLossesInRegion
1275 Effect of prior year items Concept (Percent) For Period ifrs-full:TaxRateEffectOfAdjustmentsForCurrentTaxOfPriorPeriods
1276 Effect of other items Concept (Percent) For Period ifrs-full:OtherTaxRateEffectsForReconciliationBetweenAccountingProfitAndTaxExpenseIncome
1277 Effective tax rate for continuing operations Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:AverageEffectiveTaxRateContinuingOperations
1278 Effective tax rate for discontinued operations Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:AverageEffectiveTaxRateDiscontinuedOperations
1279 Effective tax rate Concept (Percent) For Period ifrs-full:AverageEffectiveTaxRate
1280 Tax rate effect of revenues exempt from taxation Concept (Percent) For Period ifrs-full:TaxRateEffectOfRevenuesExemptFromTaxation
1281 Effective income tax rate reconciliation change in uncertain tax positions Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInUncertainTaxPositions
1282 Effective income tax rate reconciliation other adjustments Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments
1283 Effective income tax rate reconciliation change in enacted tax rate Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInEnactedTaxRate
1284 Percentage impact of new tax law change in deferred tax assets and liabilities and current tax liabilities Concept (Percent) As Of nvs:PercentageImpactOfNewTaxLawChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAndCurrentTaxLiabilities
1285 Tax benefit arising from previously unrecognised tax loss, tax credit or temporary difference of prior period used to reduce current tax expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:TaxBenefitArisingFromPreviouslyUnrecognisedTaxLossTaxCreditOrTemporaryDifferenceOfPriorPeriodUsedToReduceCurrentTaxExpense
1286 2400700 - Disclosure - Earnings per share (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareDetails
1287 Earnings per share [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:EarningsPerShareTable
1288 Continuing and discontinued operations [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
1289 Aggregate continuing and discontinued operations [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregateContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsMember
1290 Continuing operations [member] Member ifrs-full:ContinuingOperationsMember
1291 Discontinued operations [member] Member ifrs-full:DiscontinuedOperationsMember
1292 Earnings per share [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:EarningsPerShareLineItems
1293 Profit/loss attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ProfitLossAttributableToOwnersOfParent
1294 Weighted average number of shares outstanding used in the basic earnings per share Concept (Shares) For Period ifrs-full:WeightedAverageShares
1295 Adjustment for vesting of restricted shares, restricted share units and dilutive shares from options Concept (Shares) For Period ifrs-full:DilutiveEffectOfShareOptionsOnNumberOfOrdinaryShares
1296 Weighted average number of shares in diluted earnings per share Concept (Shares) For Period ifrs-full:AdjustedWeightedAverageShares
1297 Basic earnings per share, Continuing operations Concept (Share) For Period ifrs-full:BasicEarningsLossPerShareFromContinuingOperations
1298 Basic earnings per share, Discontinued operations Concept (Share) For Period ifrs-full:BasicEarningsLossPerShareFromDiscontinuedOperations
1299 Total basic earnings per share Concept (Share) For Period ifrs-full:BasicEarningsLossPerShare
1300 Diluted earnings per share, Continuing operations Concept (Share) For Period ifrs-full:DilutedEarningsLossPerShareFromContinuingOperations
1301 Diluted earnings per share, Discontinued operations Concept (Share) For Period ifrs-full:DilutedEarningsLossPerShareFromDiscontinuedOperations
1302 Total diluted earnings per share Concept (Share) For Period ifrs-full:DilutedEarningsLossPerShare
1303 Options excluded from the calculation Concept (Integer) For Period nvs:OptionsExcludedFromTheCalculation
1304 2400800 - Disclosure - Changes in consolidated statements of comprehensive income (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureChangesInConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeDetails
1305 Changes in consolidated statements of comprehensive income [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:ChangesInConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeTable
1306 Components of equity [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ComponentsOfEquityAxis
1307 Equity [member] Member ifrs-full:EquityMember
1308 Equity attributable to owners of parent [member] Member ifrs-full:EquityAttributableToOwnersOfParentMember
1309 Fair value adjustments on marketable securities Member nvs:FairValueAdjustmentsOnMarketableSecuritiesMember
1310 Fair value adjustments on debt securities Member nvs:FairValueAdjustmentsOnDebtSecuritiesMember
1311 Fair value adjustments on deferred cash flow hedges Member nvs:FairValueAdjustmentsOnDeferredCashFlowHedgesMember
1312 Fair value adjustments on equity securities Member nvs:FairValueAdjustmentsOnEquitySecuritiesMember
1313 Actuarial gains/losses from defined benefit plans Member nvs:ActuarialLossesFromDefinedBenefitPlansMember
1314 Cumulative currency translation effects Member nvs:CumulativeCurrencyTranslationEffectsMember
1315 Total value adjustments Member nvs:TotalValueAdjustmentsAttributableToNovartisShareholdersMember
1316 Retrospective application and retrospective restatement [axis] Axis ifrs-full:RetrospectiveApplicationAndRetrospectiveRestatementAxis
1317 Currently stated [member] Member ifrs-full:RestatedMember
1318 Previously stated [member] Member ifrs-full:PreviouslyStatedMember
1319 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy and corrections of prior period errors [member] Member ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyAndCorrectionsOfPriorPeriodErrorsMember
1320 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialEffectOfChangesInAccountingPolicyMember
1321 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy required by IFRSs [member] Member ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyRequiredByIFRSsMember
1322 Reclassification to presentation required under IFRS 9 [member] Member nvs:ReclassificationToPresentationRequiredUnderIFRS9Member
1323 Restated Value Adjustments [member] Member nvs:RestatedValueAdjustmentsMember
1324 Changes in consolidated statements of comprehensive income [line items] LineItems nvs:ChangesInConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLineItems
1325 Value adjustments on comprehensive income at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ValueAdjustmentOnComprehensiveIncome
1326 Increase to retained earnings arising from first application of IFRS 9 Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IncreaseToRetainedEarningsArisingFromFirstApplicationOfIFRS9
1327 Fair value adjustments on financial instruments Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxFinancialInstruments
1328 Fair value adjustments on financial assets sold Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:FairValueAdjustmentsOnFinancialAssetsSold
1329 Net actuarial gains/losses from defined benefit plans Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxGainsLossesOnRemeasurementsOfDefinedBenefitPlans
1330 Net investment hedge Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxHedgesOfNetInvestmentsInForeignOperations
1331 Currency translation effects Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxExchangeDifferencesOnTranslation
1332 Total value adjustments Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:GainsLossesOnValueAdjustmentOnComprehensiveIncome
1333 Fair value adjustments related to divestments Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:FairValueAdjustmentsRelatedToDivestments
1334 Value adjustments on comprehensive income at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ValueAdjustmentOnComprehensiveIncome
1335 Other comprehensive income net of tax gains/losses on remeasurements of defined benefit plans related to discontinued operations Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxGainsLossesOnRemeasurementsOfDefinedBenefitPlansRelatedToDiscontinuedOperations
1336 Other comprehensive income net of tax exchange differences on translation related to discontinued operations Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxExchangeDifferencesOnTranslationRelatedToDiscontinuedOperations
1337 2400801 - Disclosure - Changes in consolidated statements of comprehensive income (Details 2) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureChangesInConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeDetails2
1338 Changes in consolidated statements of comprehensive income [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:ChangesInConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeTable
1339 Components of equity [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ComponentsOfEquityAxis
1340 Equity [member] Member ifrs-full:EquityMember
1341 Equity attributable to owners of parent [member] Member ifrs-full:EquityAttributableToOwnersOfParentMember
1342 Fair value adjustments on marketable securities Member nvs:FairValueAdjustmentsOnMarketableSecuritiesMember
1343 Fair value adjustments on debt securities Member nvs:FairValueAdjustmentsOnDebtSecuritiesMember
1344 Fair value adjustments on equity securities Member nvs:FairValueAdjustmentsOnEquitySecuritiesMember
1345 Fair value adjustments on deferred cash flow hedges Member nvs:FairValueAdjustmentsOnDeferredCashFlowHedgesMember
1346 Total fair value adjustments Member nvs:TotalFairValueAdjustmentsMember
1347 Retrospective application and retrospective restatement [axis] Axis ifrs-full:RetrospectiveApplicationAndRetrospectiveRestatementAxis
1348 Currently stated [member] Member ifrs-full:RestatedMember
1349 Previously stated [member] Member ifrs-full:PreviouslyStatedMember
1350 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy and corrections of prior period errors [member] Member ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyAndCorrectionsOfPriorPeriodErrorsMember
1351 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialEffectOfChangesInAccountingPolicyMember
1352 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy required by IFRSs [member] Member ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyRequiredByIFRSsMember
1353 Reclassification to presentation required under IFRS 9 [member] Member nvs:ReclassificationToPresentationRequiredUnderIFRS9Member
1354 Restated Value Adjustments [member] Member nvs:RestatedValueAdjustmentsMember
1355 Changes in consolidated statements of comprehensive income [line items] LineItems nvs:ChangesInConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeLineItems
1356 Value adjustments on comprehensive income at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ValueAdjustmentOnComprehensiveIncome
1357 Other comprehensive income, debt securities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherComprehensiveIncomeDebtSecurities
1358 Other comprehensive income, maketable securities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherComprehensiveIncomeMaketableSecurities
1359 Other comprehensive income, equity securities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherComprehensiveIncomeEquitySecurities
1360 Fair value adjustments on financial assets sold Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:FairValueAdjustmentsOnFinancialAssetsSold
1361 Available-for-sale financial investments Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableforsaleFinancialInvestments
1362 Associated companies' movements in comprehensive income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ShareOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeOfAssociatesAndJointVenturesAccountedForUsingEquityMethodThatWillBeReclassifiedToProfitOrLossNetOfTax
1363 Marketable securities sold Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:GainLossOnSaleOfMarketableInvestments
1364 Other financial assets sold Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:GainLossOnSaleOfOtherFinancialAssets
1365 Amortized net losses on cash flow hedges transferred to the consolidated income statement Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ReclassificationAdjustmentsOnCashFlowHedgesNetOfTax
1366 Impaired loss on financial assets transferred to the income statement Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ReclassificationAdjustmentsOnFinancialAssetsMeasuredAtFairValueThroughOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax
1367 Deferred tax on above items Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:IncomeTaxRelatingToComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncome
1368 Fair value adjustments on financial instruments Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxFinancialInstruments
1369 Value adjustments on comprehensive income at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ValueAdjustmentOnComprehensiveIncome
1370 Total value adjustments Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:GainsLossesOnValueAdjustmentOnComprehensiveIncome
1371 Impact of new tax law income tax relating to available-for-sale financia investments previously recognized through OCI Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ImpactOfNewTaxLawIncomeTaxRelatingToAvailableforsaleFinanciaInvestmentsPreviouslyRecognizedThroughOCI
1372 2400802 - Disclosure - Changes in consolidated statements of comprehensive income (Details 3) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureChangesInConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeDetails3
1373 Implied Table Table

*

*

 implied:Table
1374 Comprehensive income [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:ComprehensiveIncomeAbstract
1375 Cumulative currency translation losses recycled throught income statement Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:CumulativeCurrencyTranslationLossesRecycledThroughtIncomeStatement
1376 2400803 - Disclosure - Changes in consolidated statements of comprehensive income (Details 4) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureChangesInConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeDetails4
1377 Changes in consolidated statements of comprehensive income [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:ChangesInConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeTable
1378 Components of equity [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ComponentsOfEquityAxis
1379 Equity [member] Member ifrs-full:EquityMember
1380 Equity attributable to owners of parent [member] Member ifrs-full:EquityAttributableToOwnersOfParentMember
1381 Non-controlling interests [member] Member ifrs-full:NoncontrollingInterestsMember
1382 Remeasurements from defined benefit plans [line items] LineItems nvs:RemeasurementsFromDefinedBenefitPlansLineItems
1383 Defined benefit pension plans before tax Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxesGainsLossesOnRemeasurementsOfDefinedBenefitPlans
1384 Other post-employment benefit plans before tax Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxesGainsLossesOnRemeasurementsOfOtherPostemploymentBenefitPlans
1385 Taxation on above items Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherComprehensiveIncomeGainsLossesOnRemeasurementsOfDefinedAndOtherPostemploymentBenefitPlansTaxation
1386 Remeasurements from defined benefit plans, total after tax Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxGainsLossesOnRemeasurementsOfDefinedBenefitPlans
1387 Impact of new tax law income tax relating to deferred tax assets on US post retirement previously recognized through OCI Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ImpactOfNewTaxLawIncomeTaxRelatingToDeferredTaxAssetsOnUSPostRetirementPreviouslyRecognizedThroughOCI
1388 2400900 - Disclosure - Property, plant and equipment (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails
1389 Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable
1390 Classes of property, plant and equipment [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentAxis
1391 Property, plant and equipment [member] Member ifrs-full:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember
1392 Land Member ifrs-full:LandMember
1393 Buildings Member ifrs-full:BuildingsMember
1394 Construction in progress Member ifrs-full:ConstructionInProgressMember
1395 Machinery and other equipment Member ifrs-full:MachineryMember
1396 Carrying amount, accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment and gross carrying amount [axis] Axis ifrs-full:CarryingAmountAccumulatedDepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentAndGrossCarryingAmountAxis
1397 Carrying amount [member] Member ifrs-full:CarryingAmountMember
1398 Gross carrying amount Member ifrs-full:GrossCarryingAmountMember
1399 Accumulated depreciation Member ifrs-full:AccumulatedImpairmentMember
1400 Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems
1401 Movements of property, plant and equipment [roll forward] Abstract nvs:MovementsOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentRollForward
1402 Property, plant and equipment at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:PropertyPlantAndEquipment
1403 Decrease through classified as held for sale, property, plant and equipment Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:DecreaseThroughClassifiedAsHeldForSalePropertyPlantAndEquipment
1404 Impact of business combinations Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AcquisitionsThroughBusinessCombinationsPropertyPlantAndEquipment
1405 Reclassifications Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseThroughTransfersFromConstructionInProgressPropertyPlantAndEquipment
1406 Additions Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AdditionsOtherThanThroughBusinessCombinationsPropertyPlantAndEquipment
1407 Disposals and derecognitions Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:DisposalsAndRetirementsPropertyPlantAndEquipment
1408 Depreciation charge Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:DepreciationPropertyPlantAndEquipment
1409 Accumulated depreciation on disposals and derecognitions Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:AccumulatedDepreciationOnDisposalsPropertyPlantAndEquipment
1410 Impairment charge Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:ImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLossPropertyPlantAndEquipment
1411 Reversal of impairment charge Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:ReversalOfImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLossPropertyPlantAndEquipment
1412 Currency translation effects Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseThroughNetExchangeDifferencesPropertyPlantAndEquipment
1413 Property, plant and equipment at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:PropertyPlantAndEquipment
1414 Net book value of Property, plant and equipment under finance lease contracts Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:NetBookValueOfPropertyPlantEquipmentUnderFinanceLeaseContracts
1415 Commitments for purchases of property, plant and equipment Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:ContractualCommitmentsForAcquisitionOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
1416 Capitalized borrowing costs Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:BorrowingCostsCapitalised
1417 Additions included in disposal group prior to classification to assets held for sale Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:AdditionsIncludedInDisposalGroupPriorToClassificationToAssetsHeldForSale
1418 Depreciation charge prior to classification to assets held for sale Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:DepreciationChargePriorToClassificationToAssetsHeldForSale
1419 2401000 - Disclosure - Goodwill and intangible assets (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDetails
1420 Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfReconciliationOfChangesInIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTable
1421 Carrying amount, accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment and gross carrying amount [axis] Axis ifrs-full:CarryingAmountAccumulatedDepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentAndGrossCarryingAmountAxis
1422 Carrying amount [member] Member ifrs-full:CarryingAmountMember
1423 Gross carrying amount [member] Member ifrs-full:GrossCarryingAmountMember
1424 Accumulated depreciation [member] Member ifrs-full:AccumulatedImpairmentMember
1425 Classes of intangible assets and goodwill [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillAxis
1426 Intangible assets and goodwill [member] Member ifrs-full:IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillMember
1427 Goodwill Member ifrs-full:GoodwillMember
1428 Intangible Assets other than Goodwill Member ifrs-full:IntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillMember
1429 Acquired research and development [member] Member nvs:AcquiredResearchAndDevelopmentMember
1430 Alcon brand name [member] Member nvs:AlconBrandNameMember
1431 Technologies Member ifrs-full:TechnologybasedIntangibleAssetsMember
1432 Currently marketed products Member nvs:CurrentlyMarketedProductsMember
1433 Marketing know-how Member nvs:MarketingRelatedIntangibleAssetsMember
1434 Other intangible assets Member ifrs-full:OtherIntangibleAssetsMember
1435 Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale [axis] Axis ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesClassifiedAsHeldForSaleAxis
1436 Assets and liabilities not classified as held for sale [member] Member ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesNotClassifiedAsHeldForSaleMember
1437 Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale [member] Member ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesClassifiedAsHeldForSaleMember
1438 Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfIntangibleAssetsLineItems
1439 Intangible assets and goodwill at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill
1440 Cost of assets related to disposal group held for sale Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:DecreaseThroughClassifiedAsHeldForSaleIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill
1441 Impact of business combinations Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AcquisitionsThroughBusinessCombinationsIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill
1442 Reclassifications Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseThroughTransfersIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill
1443 Additions Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AdditionsOtherThanThroughBusinessCombinationsIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill
1444 Disposals and derecognitions Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:DisposalsAndRetirementsIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill
1445 Amortization charge Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:AmortisationIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill
1446 Accumulated impairments on disposals and derecognition Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:AccumulatedImpairmentsOnDisposalsAndDerecognitions
1447 Impairment charge Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:ImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLossIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill
1448 Reversal of impairment charge Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:ReversalOfImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLossIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill
1449 Currency translation effects Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseThroughNetExchangeDifferencesIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill
1450 Intangible assets and goodwill at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill
1451 Additions included in disposal group to the date of reclassification Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:AdditionsIncludedInDisposalGroupToTheDateOfReclassification
1452 Amortization prior to classification to assets held for sale Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:AmortizationPriorToClassificationToAssetsHeldForSale
1453 Impairment charges related to disposal group held for sale Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ImpairmentChargesRelatedToDisposalGroupHeldForSale
1454 Impairment charges related to disposal group held for sale to the date of reclassification Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ImpairmentChargesRelatedToDisposalGroupHeldForSaleToTheDateOfReclassification
1455 2401001 - Disclosure - Goodwill and intangible assets (Details 2) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDetails2
1456 Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfReconciliationOfChangesInIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTable
1457 Carrying amount, accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment and gross carrying amount [axis] Axis ifrs-full:CarryingAmountAccumulatedDepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentAndGrossCarryingAmountAxis
1458 Carrying amount [member] Member ifrs-full:CarryingAmountMember
1459 Classes of intangible assets and goodwill [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillAxis
1460 Intangible assets and goodwill [member] Member ifrs-full:IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillMember
1461 Goodwill Member ifrs-full:GoodwillMember
1462 Intangible Assets other than Goodwill Member ifrs-full:IntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillMember
1463 Acquired research and development [member] Member nvs:AcquiredResearchAndDevelopmentMember
1464 Alcon brand name [member] Member nvs:AlconBrandNameMember
1465 Technologies Member ifrs-full:TechnologybasedIntangibleAssetsMember
1466 Currently marketed products Member nvs:CurrentlyMarketedProductsMember
1467 Marketing know-how Member nvs:MarketingRelatedIntangibleAssetsMember
1468 Other intangible assets Member ifrs-full:OtherIntangibleAssetsMember
1469 Segment consolidation items [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis
1470 Entity's total for segment consolidation items [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForSegmentConsolidationItemsMember
1471 Operating segments [member] Member ifrs-full:OperatingSegmentsMember
1472 Unallocated amounts [member] Member ifrs-full:UnallocatedAmountsMember
1473 Segments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentsAxis
1474 Segments [member] Member ifrs-full:SegmentsMember
1475 Innovative Medicines Member nvs:InnovativeMedicinesMember
1476 Sandoz Member nvs:SandozMember
1477 Alcon Member nvs:AlconMember
1478 Corporate Member nvs:CorporateMember
1479 Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale [axis] Axis ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesClassifiedAsHeldForSaleAxis
1480 Assets and liabilities not classified as held for sale [member] Member ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesNotClassifiedAsHeldForSaleMember
1481 Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale [member] Member ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesClassifiedAsHeldForSaleMember
1482 Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfIntangibleAssetsLineItems
1483 Net book value Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill
1484 2401002 - Disclosure - Goodwill and intangible assets (Details 3) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDetails3
1485 Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfReconciliationOfChangesInIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTable
1486 Segment consolidation items [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis
1487 Entity's total for segment consolidation items [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForSegmentConsolidationItemsMember
1488 Operating segments [member] Member ifrs-full:OperatingSegmentsMember
1489 Unallocated amounts [member] Member ifrs-full:UnallocatedAmountsMember
1490 Segments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentsAxis
1491 Segments [member] Member ifrs-full:SegmentsMember
1492 Innovative Medicines Member nvs:InnovativeMedicinesMember
1493 Sandoz Member nvs:SandozMember
1494 Alcon Member nvs:AlconMember
1495 Corporate Member nvs:CorporateMember
1496 Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfIntangibleAssetsLineItems
1497 Terminal Growth Rate Concept (Percent) As Of ifrs-full:DescriptionOfGrowthRateUsedToExtrapolateCashFlowProjections
1498 Discount Rate (post-tax) Concept (Percent) As Of ifrs-full:DiscountRateUsedInCurrentMeasurementOfFairValueLessCostsOfDisposal
1499 2401003 - Disclosure - Goodwill and intangible assets (Details 4) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDetails4
1500 Disclosure of reconciliation of changes in intangible assets and goodwill [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfReconciliationOfChangesInIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillTable
1501 Carrying amount, accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment and gross carrying amount [axis] Axis ifrs-full:CarryingAmountAccumulatedDepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentAndGrossCarryingAmountAxis
1502 Carrying amount [member] Member ifrs-full:CarryingAmountMember
1503 Gross carrying amount [member] Member ifrs-full:GrossCarryingAmountMember
1504 Accumulated depreciation [member] Member ifrs-full:AccumulatedImpairmentMember
1505 Continuing and discontinued operations [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
1506 Aggregate continuing and discontinued operations [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregateContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsMember
1507 Continuing operations Member ifrs-full:ContinuingOperationsMember
1508 Segment consolidation items [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentConsolidationItemsAxis
1509 Entity's total for segment consolidation items [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForSegmentConsolidationItemsMember
1510 Operating segments [member] Member ifrs-full:OperatingSegmentsMember
1511 Unallocated amounts [member] Member ifrs-full:UnallocatedAmountsMember
1512 Segments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SegmentsAxis
1513 Segments [member] Member ifrs-full:SegmentsMember
1514 Innovative Medicines Member nvs:InnovativeMedicinesMember
1515 Sandoz Member nvs:SandozMember
1516 Alcon Member nvs:AlconMember
1517 Corporate Member nvs:CorporateMember
1518 Products and services [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ProductsAndServicesAxis
1519 Products and services [member] Member ifrs-full:ProductsAndServicesMember
1520 Votrient [member] Member nvs:VotrientMember
1521 Serelaxin [member] Member nvs:SerelaxinMember
1522 CyPass [member] Member nvs:CyPassMember
1523 Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale [axis] Axis ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesClassifiedAsHeldForSaleAxis
1524 Assets and liabilities not classified as held for sale [member] Member ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesNotClassifiedAsHeldForSaleMember
1525 Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale [member] Member ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesClassifiedAsHeldForSaleMember
1526 Disposal groups classified as held for sale [member] Member ifrs-full:DisposalGroupsClassifiedAsHeldForSaleMember
1527 Classes of intangible assets and goodwill [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillAxis
1528 Intangible assets and goodwill [member] Member ifrs-full:IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillMember
1529 Goodwill Member ifrs-full:GoodwillMember
1530 Intangible Assets other than Goodwill Member ifrs-full:IntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwillMember
1531 Acquired research and development [member] Member nvs:AcquiredResearchAndDevelopmentMember
1532 Alcon brand name [member] Member nvs:AlconBrandNameMember
1533 Technologies Member ifrs-full:TechnologybasedIntangibleAssetsMember
1534 Currently marketed products Member nvs:CurrentlyMarketedProductsMember
1535 Marketing know-how Member nvs:MarketingRelatedIntangibleAssetsMember
1536 Other intangible assets Member ifrs-full:OtherIntangibleAssetsMember
1537 Disclosure of detailed information about intangible assets [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfIntangibleAssetsLineItems
1538 Impairment charge Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:ImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLossIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill
1539 Description of growth rate Concept (Text/String) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfJustificationForUsingGrowthRateThatExceedsLongtermAverageGrowthRate
1540 Reversal of impairment charge Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:ReversalOfImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLossIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill
1541 2401100 - Disclosure - Deferred tax assets and liabilities (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails
1542 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
1543 Assets and liabilities [axis] Axis ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesAxis
1544 Assets and liabilities [member] Member ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesMember
1545 Property, plant and equipment [member] Member ifrs-full:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember
1546 Intangible assets [member] Member ifrs-full:IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillMember
1547 Pensions and other benefit obligations of associates [member] Member nvs:PensionsAndOtherBenefitObligationsOfAssociatesMember
1548 Inventories [member] Member nvs:InventoriesMember
1549 Tax loss carryforwards [member] Member nvs:TaxLossCarryforwardsMember
1550 Other assets, provisions and accruals [member] Member nvs:OtherAssetsProvisionsAccrualsMember
1551 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
1552 Gross deferred tax assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:NetDeferredTaxAssets
1553 Gross deferred tax liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:NetDeferredTaxLiabilities
1554 Net deferred tax balance Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:DeferredTaxLiabilityAsset
1555 Movement in deferred tax balance [roll forward] Abstract nvs:MovementInDeferredTaxBalanceRollForward
1556 Net deferred tax balance at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:DeferredTaxLiabilityAsset
1557 Net deferred tax balance related to disposal group held for sale Concept (Monetary) For Period nvs:NetDeferredTaxBalanceRelatedToDisposalGroupHeldForSale
1558 Credited/(charged) to income Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:DeferredTaxExpenseIncomeRecognisedInProfitOrLoss
1559 Charged to equity Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:DeferredTaxRelatingToItemsChargedOrCreditedDirectlyToEquity
1560 Credited/(charged) to other comprehensive income Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:IncomeTaxRelatingToComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncome
1561 Impact of business combinations Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseThroughBusinessCombinationsDeferredTaxLiabilityAsset
1562 Other movements Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IncreaseDecreaseThroughOtherMovementsDeferredTaxLiabilityAsset
1563 Net deferred tax balance at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:DeferredTaxLiabilityAsset
1564 Offsetting of deferred tax assets and liabilities within the same tax jurisdiction Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:OffsettingOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesWithinTheSameTaxJurisdiction
1565 Deferred tax assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:DeferredTaxAssets
1566 Deferred tax liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:DeferredTaxLiabilities
1567 2401101 - Disclosure - Deferred tax assets and liabilities (Details 2) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails2
1568 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
1569 Assets and liabilities [axis] Axis ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesAxis
1570 Assets and liabilities [member] Member ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesMember
1571 Investments in subsidiaries [member] Member nvs:InvestmentsInSubsidiariesMember
1572 Goodwill from acquisitions [member] Member nvs:GoodwillFromAcquisitionsMember
1573 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
1574 Temporary differences on which no deferred tax has been provided as they are permanent in nature Concept (Monetary) As Of ifrs-full:DeductibleTemporaryDifferencesForWhichNoDeferredTaxAssetIsRecognised
1575 2401102 - Disclosure - Deferred tax assets and liabilities (Details 3) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails3
1576 Disclosure of temporary difference, unused tax losses and unused tax credits [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfTemporaryDifferenceUnusedTaxLossesAndUnusedTaxCreditsTable
1577 Balance sheet treatment [axis] Axis nvs:BalanceSheetTreatmentAxis
1578 Balance sheet treatment [member] Member nvs:BalanceSheetTreatmentMember
1579 Capitalized [member] Member nvs:CapitalizedMember
1580 Not capitalized [member] Member nvs:NotCapitalizedMember
1581 Year of expiry [axis] Axis nvs:YearOfExpiryAxis
1582 Year of expiry [member] Member nvs:YearOfExpiryMember
1583 One year [member] Member nvs:OneYearMember
1584 Two years [member] Member nvs:TwoYearsMember
1585 Three years [member] Member nvs:ThreeYearsMember
1586 Four years [member] Member nvs:FourYearsMember
1587 Five years [member] Member nvs:FiveYearsMember
1588 More than five years [member] Member nvs:MoreThanFiveYearsMember
1589 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
1590 Gross Value of tax loss carryforwards that have or nave not been capitalized as deferred tax assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:GrossValueOfTaxLossCarryForwardsThatHaveOrHaveNotBeenCapitalizedAsDeferredTaxAssets
1591 Tax loss carryforwards expired Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ValueOfTaxLossCarryforwardsExpired
1592 2401103 - Disclosure - Deferred tax assets and liabilities (Details 4) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails4
1593 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
1594 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
1595 Deferred tax asset expected to have an impact on current taxes payable after more than 12 months Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:DeferredTaxAssetExpectedToHaveAnImpactOnCurrentTaxesPayableAfterMoreThan12Months
1596 Deferred tax liabilities expected to have an impact on current taxes payable after more than 12 months Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:DeferredTaxLiabilitiesExpectedToHaveAnImpactOnCurrentTaxesPayableAfterMoreThan12Months
1597 Unremitted earnings retained by consolidated entities for reinvestment Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:UnremittedEarningsRetainedByConsolidatedEntitiesForReinvestment
1598 Provision for income taxes on unremitted earnings Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ProvisionForIncomeTaxesOnUnremittedEarnings
1599 2401104 - Disclosure - Deferred tax assets and liabilities (Details 5) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails5
1600 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
1601 Impact location [axis] Axis nvs:ImpactLocationAxis
1602 Impact location [member] Member nvs:ImpactLocationMember
1603 Income statement [member] Member nvs:IncomeStatementMember
1604 Equity [member] Member ifrs-full:EquityMember
1605 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
1606 Deferred tax asset and liability valuation [abstract] Abstract nvs:DeferredTaxAssetAndLiabilityValuationAbstract
1607 Items previously recognized in consolidated income statement Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ImpactOfNewTaxLawDeferredTaxExpenseIncomeRecognisedInProfitOrLoss
1608 Items previously recognized in other comprehensive income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ImpactOfNewTaxLawDeferredTaxRelatingToComponentsOfOtherComprehensiveIncome
1609 Impact of new tax law income tax relating to revaluation of deferred tax assets on equity based compensation that were previously recognized through retained earnings Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ImpactOfNewTaxLawIncomeTaxRelatingToRevaluationOfDeferredTaxAssetsOnEquityBasedCompensationThatWerePreviouslyRecognizedThroughRetainedEarnings
1610 Total revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ImpactOfNewTaxLawIncreaseDecreaseInDeferredTaxLiabilityAsset
1611 Total revaluation of current income tax liabilities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ImpactOfNewTaxLawIncreaseDecreaseInCurrentIncomeTaxLiability
1612 Total revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities and current income tax liabilities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ImpactOfNewTaxLawChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesAndCurrentTaxLiabilities
1613 Impact of new tax law effective tax rate after implemetation of new law changes Concept (Percent) As Of nvs:ImpactOfNewTaxLawEffectiveTaxRateAfterImplemetationOfNewLawChanges
1614 Impact of new tax law tax on unremitted earnings period allowed for payment Concept (xbrli:durationItemType) For Period nvs:ImpactOfNewTaxLawTaxOnUnremittedEarningsPeriodAllowedForPayment
1615 Impact of new tax law income tax relating to deferred tax assets on unremitted earnings Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ImpactOfNewTaxLawIncomeTaxRelatingToDeferredTaxAssetsOnUnremittedEarnings
1616 2401200 - Disclosure - Financial and other non-current assets (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialAndOtherNoncurrentAssetsDetails
1617 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
1618 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
1619 Non-current financial assets, equity investments Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:NoncurrentFinancialAssetsEquityInvestments
1620 Non-current financial asstets debt securities Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:NoncurrentFinancialAsstetsDebtSecurities
1621 Non-current financial assets, fund investments Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:NoncurrentFinancialAssetsFundInvestments
1622 Noncurrent financial assets, total financial investments Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:NoncurrentFinancialAssetsTotalFinancialInvestments
1623 Long-term receivables from customers Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:NoncurrentTradeReceivables
1624 Minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:NoncurrentFinanceLeaseReceivables
1625 Contingent consideration receivables Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:ContingentConsiderationReceivable
1626 Long-term loans, advances and security deposits Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:NoncurrentLoansAndReceivables
1627 Total financial assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:NoncurrentFinancialAssets
1628 2401201 - Disclosure - Financial and other non-current assets (Details 2) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialAndOtherNoncurrentAssetsDetails2
1629 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
1630 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
1631 Deferred compensation plans assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:DeferredCompensationPlansAssets
1632 Prepaid post-employment benefit plans assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:PrepaidPostemploymentBenefitPlansAssets
1633 Other non-current assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:OtherNoncurrentNonfinancialAssets
1634 Total other non-current assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:OtherNoncurrentAssets
1635 2401202 - Disclosure - Financial and other non-current assets (Details 3) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialAndOtherNoncurrentAssetsDetails3
1636 Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessor [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFinanceLeaseAndOperatingLeaseByLessorTable
1637 Maturity [axis] Axis ifrs-full:MaturityAxis
1638 Aggregated time bands [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregatedTimeBandsMember
1639 Not later than one year Member ifrs-full:NotLaterThanOneYearMember
1640 Between one and five years Member ifrs-full:LaterThanOneYearAndNotLaterThanFiveYearsMember
1641 Later than five years Member ifrs-full:LaterThanFiveYearsMember
1642 Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessor [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFinanceLeaseAndOperatingLeaseByLessorLineItems
1643 Total future payments Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:GrossInvestmentInFinanceLease
1644 Unearned interest income Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:UnearnedFinanceIncomeOnFinanceLease
1645 Minimum lease payments from finance lease agreements, at present value Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:MinimumFinanceLeasePaymentsReceivableAtPresentValue
1646 Provision Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:FinanceLeaseProvision
1647 Net book value Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:FinanceLeaseReceivables
1648 2401300 - Disclosure - Inventories (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureInventoriesDetails
1649 Inventory, Current [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:InventoryCurrentTable
1650 Inventory [Axis] Axis nvs:InventoryAxis
1651 Inventory [member] Member nvs:InventoryMember
1652 Raw material, consumables Member nvs:InventoryRawMaterialsGrossMember
1653 Work in progress Member nvs:InventoryWorkInProgressGrossMember
1654 Finished products Member nvs:InventoryFinishedGoodsGrossMember
1655 Inventory LineItems nvs:InventoryLineItems
1656 Inventory Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:Inventories
1657 Amount of inventory recognized as expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:CostOfInventoriesRecognisedAsExpenseDuringPeriod
1658 Inventory provisions Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:InventoryWritedown2011
1659 Reversed inventory Provisions Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:ReversalOfInventoryWritedown
1660 2401400 - Disclosure - Trade receivables (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureTradeReceivablesDetails
1661 Disclosure of provision matrix [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfProvisionMatrixTable
1662 Classes of financial instruments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis
1663 Financial instruments, class [member] Member ifrs-full:ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsMember
1664 Trade receivables [member] Member ifrs-full:TradeReceivablesMember
1665 Carrying amount, accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment and gross carrying amount [axis] Axis ifrs-full:CarryingAmountAccumulatedDepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentAndGrossCarryingAmountAxis
1666 Carrying amount [member] Member ifrs-full:CarryingAmountMember
1667 Gross carrying amount [member] Member ifrs-full:GrossCarryingAmountMember
1668 Provision for doubtful receivable [member] Member nvs:ProvisionForDoubtfulReceivableMember
1669 Disclosure of provision matrix [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfProvisionMatrixLineItems
1670 Total trade receivables, net Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CurrentTradeReceivables
1671 2401401 - Disclosure - Trade receivables (Details 2) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureTradeReceivablesDetails2
1672 Disclosure of provision matrix [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfProvisionMatrixTable
1673 Classes of financial instruments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis
1674 Financial instruments, class [member] Member ifrs-full:ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsMember
1675 Trade receivables [member] Member ifrs-full:TradeReceivablesMember
1676 Carrying amount, accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment and gross carrying amount [axis] Axis ifrs-full:CarryingAmountAccumulatedDepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentAndGrossCarryingAmountAxis
1677 Carrying amount [member] Member ifrs-full:CarryingAmountMember
1678 Accumulated depreciation [member] Member ifrs-full:AccumulatedImpairmentMember
1679 Provision for doubtful receivable [member] Member nvs:ProvisionForDoubtfulReceivableMember
1680 Disclosure of provision matrix [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfProvisionMatrixLineItems
1681 Provisions at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CurrentTradeReceivables
1682 Impact of divestments Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ImpactOfDivestmentsOtherProvisions
1683 Impact of business combinations Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:AcquisitionsThroughBusinessCombinationsOtherProvisions
1684 Provisions for doubtful trade receivables related to discontinued operations Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:DecreaseThroughLossOfControlOfSubsidiaryOtherProvisions
1685 Provisions for doubtful trade receivables charged to the consolidated income statement Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:AdditionalProvisionsOtherProvisions
1686 Utilization of reversal of provisions for doubtful trade receivables Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ProvisionUsedOtherProvisions
1687 Reversal of provisions for doubtful trade receivables Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:UnusedProvisionReversedOtherProvisions
1688 Currency translation effects Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseThroughNetExchangeDifferencesOtherProvisions
1689 Provisions at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CurrentTradeReceivables
1690 2401402 - Disclosure - Trade receivables (Details 3) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureTradeReceivablesDetails3
1691 Analysis of overdue amounts [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:AnalysisOfOverdueAmountsTable
1692 Classes of financial instruments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis
1693 Financial instruments, class [member] Member ifrs-full:ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsMember
1694 Trade receivables [member] Member ifrs-full:TradeReceivablesMember
1695 Carrying amount, accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment and gross carrying amount [axis] Axis ifrs-full:CarryingAmountAccumulatedDepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentAndGrossCarryingAmountAxis
1696 Carrying amount [member] Member ifrs-full:CarryingAmountMember
1697 Provision for doubtful receivable [member] Member nvs:ProvisionForDoubtfulReceivableMember
1698 Past due status [axis] Axis ifrs-full:PastDueStatusAxis
1699 Past due status [member] Member ifrs-full:PastDueStatusMember
1700 Current [member] Member ifrs-full:CurrentMember
1701 Not later than one month [member] Member ifrs-full:NotLaterThanOneMonthMember
1702 Later than one month and not later than three months [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanOneMonthAndNotLaterThanThreeMonthsMember
1703 Later than three months and not later than six months [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanThreeMonthsAndNotLaterThanSixMonthsMember
1704 Later than six months and not later than one year [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanSixMonthsAndNotLaterThanOneYearMember
1705 Later than one year [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanOneYearMember
1706 Analysis of overdue amounts [line items] LineItems nvs:AnalysisOfOverdueAmountsLineItems
1707 Total trade receivables, net Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CurrentTradeReceivables
1708 2401403 - Disclosure - Trade receivables (Details 4) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureTradeReceivablesDetails4
1709 Disclosure of receivables denominated in various currencies [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:DisclosureOfReceivablesDenominatedInVariousCurrenciesTable
1710 Classes of financial instruments [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsAxis
1711 Financial instruments, class [member] Member ifrs-full:ClassesOfFinancialInstrumentsMember
1712 Trade receivables [member] Member ifrs-full:TradeReceivablesMember
1713 Currency [axis] Axis nvs:CurrencyAxis
1714 All Currencies [Domain] Member currency:AllCurrenciesDomain
1715 USD Member currency:USD
1716 EUR Member currency:EUR
1717 JPY Member currency:JPY
1718 CNY Member currency:CNY
1719 RUB Member currency:RUB
1720 BRL Member currency:BRL
1721 GBP Member currency:GBP
1722 AUD Member currency:AUD
1723 CHF Member currency:CHF
1724 CAD Member currency:CAD
1725 Others Member nvs:CurrencyOthersMember
1726 Disclosure of provision matrix [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfProvisionMatrixLineItems
1727 Total trade receivables, net Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CurrentTradeReceivables
1728 2401404 - Disclosure - Trade receivables (Details 5) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureTradeReceivablesDetails5
1729 Disclosure of receivables denominated in various currencies [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:DisclosureOfReceivablesDenominatedInVariousCurrenciesTable
1730 Disclosure of provision matrix [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfProvisionMatrixLineItems
1731 Current trade receivables from closely monitored countries Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:CurrentTradeReceivablesFromCloselyMonitoredCountries
1732 Current trade receivables from closely monitored countries past due more than one year Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:CurrentTradeReceivablesFromCloselyMonitoredCountriesPastDueMoreThanOneYear
1733 Current trade receivables from closely monitored countries past due more than one year, provisions recorded Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:CurrentTradeReceivablesFromCloselyMonitoredCountriesProvisionsRecorded
1734 2401500 - Disclosure - Marketable securities, commodities, time deposits, derivative financial instruments and cash and cash equivalents (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureMarketableSecuritiesDetails
1735 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
1736 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
1737 Debt securities Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:DebtInstrumentsHeld
1738 Equity securities Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:EquityInstrumentsHeld
1739 Fund investments Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:FundInstrumentsHeld
1740 Marketable securities Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:MarketableSecurities
1741 Commodities Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:Commodities
1742 Time deposits with original maturity more than 90 days Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:ShorttermDepositsNotClassifiedAsCashEquivalents
1743 Derivative financial instruments Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:DerivativeFinancialAssets
1744 Accrued interest on debt securities and time deposits Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:InterestReceivable
1745 Total marketable securities, commodities, time deposits and derivative financial instruments Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:OtherCurrentFinancialAssets
1746 2401501 - Disclosure - Marketable securities, commodities, time deposits, derivative financial instruments and cash and cash equivalents (Details 2) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureMarketableSecuritiesDetails2
1747 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
1748 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
1749 Current accounts Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:Cash
1750 Time deposits and short term investments with original maturity less than 90 days Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CashEquivalents
1751 Total cash and cash equivalents Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CashAndCashEquivalents
1752 2401502 - Disclosure - Marketable securities, commodities, time deposits, derivative financial instruments and cash and cash equivalents (Details 3) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureMarketableSecuritiesDetails3
1753 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
1754 Currency [axis] Axis nvs:CurrencyAxis
1755 All Currencies [Domain] Member currency:AllCurrenciesDomain
1756 EUR Member currency:EUR
1757 JPY Member currency:JPY
1758 USD Member currency:USD
1759 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
1760 Debt securities held Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:DebtInstrumentsHeld
1761 2401600 - Disclosure - Other current assets (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureOtherCurrentAssetsDetails
1762 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
1763 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
1764 VAT Receivable Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CurrentValueAddedTaxReceivables
1765 Withholding tax recoverable Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:WithholdingTaxRecoverable
1766 Prepaid expenses - third party Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:CurrentPrepaidExpensesThirdParty
1767 Prepaid expenses - associated companies Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:CurrentPrepaidExpensesAssociatedCompanies
1768 Receivables associated companies Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:ReceivablesAssociatedCompanies
1769 Contingent consideration receivable Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:ContingentConsiderationReceivableCurrent
1770 Other receivables and current assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:OtherReceivablesAndCurrentAssets
1771 Total other current assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:OtherCurrentNonfinancialAssets
1772 2401700 - Disclosure - Equity (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureEquityDetails
1773 Disclosure of classes of share capital [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfClassesOfShareCapitalTable
1774 Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfClassesOfShareCapitalLineItems
1775 Share capital at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:IssuedCapital
1776 Treasury shares at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:TreasuryShares
1777 Total outstanding share capital at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:OutstandingShareCapital
1778 Share capital movement of period Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IssuedCapitalMovement
1779 Treasury shares movement of period Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:SaleOrIssueOfTreasuryShares
1780 Total shares outstanding movement of period Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OutstandingShareCapitalMovement
1781 Share capital at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:IssuedCapital
1782 Treasury shares at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:TreasuryShares
1783 Total outstanding share capital at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:OutstandingShareCapital
1784 2401701 - Disclosure - Equity (Details 2) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureEquityDetails2
1785 Disclosure of classes of share capital [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfClassesOfShareCapitalTable
1786 Classes of share capital [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfShareCapitalAxis
1787 Total outstanding shares Member ifrs-full:ClassesOfShareCapitalMember
1788 Total Novartis shares Member ifrs-full:OrdinarySharesMember
1789 Total treasury shares Member ifrs-full:TreasurySharesMember
1790 Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfClassesOfShareCapitalLineItems
1791 Number of shares outstanding at beginning of period Concept (Shares) As Of ifrs-full:NumberOfSharesOutstanding
1792 Shares cancelled for capital reduction Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:SharesCancelledForCapitalReduction
1793 Treasury shares acquired to be held Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:TreasurySharesAcquiredToBeHeld
1794 Treasury shares acquired to be cancelled Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:TreasurySharesAcquiredToBeCancelled
1795 Other share purchases Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:OtherSharePurchases
1796 Other share sales Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:NumberOfOtherShareSales
1797 Exercise of options and employee transactions shares Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:ExerciseOfOptionsAndEmployeeTransactionsShares
1798 Equity based compensation shares Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:EquityBasedCompensationShares
1799 Total movements Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:ShareMovements
1800 Number of shares outstanding at end of period Concept (Shares) As Of ifrs-full:NumberOfSharesOutstanding
1801 Treasury shares with restricted use Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:TreasurySharesWithRestrictedUse
1802 Shares repurchased on the SIX Swiss Exchange second trading line under the share buyback authority approved Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1
1803 2401702 - Disclosure - Equity (Details 3) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureEquityDetails3
1804 Implied Table Table

*

*

 implied:Table
1805 Statement of changes in equity [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:StatementOfChangesInEquityAbstract
1806 Dividends payable, amount per share Concept (Share) As Of nvs:DividendsPayableAmountPerShare
1807 Dividends recognised as distributions to owners Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:DividendsPaid
1808 2401703 - Disclosure - Equity (Details 4) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureEquityDetails4
1809 Statement of changes in equity [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:StatementOfChangesInEquityTable
1810 Statement of changes in equity [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:StatementOfChangesInEquityLineItems
1811 Treasury shares acquired to be held Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:TreasurySharesAcquiredToBeHeld
1812 Treasury shares acquired to be held, equity impact Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:TreasurySharesAcquiredToBeHeldValue
1813 Treasury shares acquired to be cancelled Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:TreasurySharesAcquiredToBeCancelled
1814 Shares acquired for cancellation, equity impact Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:TreasurySharesAcquiredForCancellationValue
1815 Other share purchases Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:OtherSharePurchases
1816 Other share purchases, equity impact Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:OtherSharePurchasesValue
1817 Purchase of treasury shares Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:SharepurchaseOfTreasuryShares
1818 Purchase of treasury shares, equity impact Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:PurchaseOfTreasuryShares
1819 Other share sales Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:NumberOfOtherShareSales
1820 Other share sales, equity impact Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherShareSalesEquityImpact
1821 Exercise of options and employee transactions shares Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:ExerciseOfOptionsAndEmployeeTransactionsShares
1822 Exercise of options and employee transactions, equity impact Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ExerciseOfOptionsAndEmployeeTransactionsValue
1823 Equity based compensation shares Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:EquityBasedCompensationShares
1824 Equity-based compensation, equity impact Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseThroughSharebasedPaymentTransactions
1825 Total number of outstanding treasury shares Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:TreasurySharesMovement
1826 Total equity impact of treasury share movements Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:EquityImpactOfTreasuryShareMovements
1827 Impact of new tax law income tax relating to revaluation of deferred tax assets on equity based compensation that were previously recognized through retained earnings Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ImpactOfNewTaxLawIncomeTaxRelatingToRevaluationOfDeferredTaxAssetsOnEquityBasedCompensationThatWerePreviouslyRecognizedThroughRetainedEarnings
1828 2401704 - Disclosure - Equity (Details 5) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureEquityDetails5
1829 Implied Table Table

*

*

 implied:Table
1830 Statement of changes in equity [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:StatementOfChangesInEquityAbstract
1831 Increase of treasury share repurchase obligation under a share buyback trading plan Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IncreaseDecreaseOfTreasuryShareRepurchaseObligationUnderAShareBuybackTradingPlan
1832 Maximal amount of share buyback programm Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:MaximalAmountOfShareBuybackProgramm
1833 Written call options held by market maker Concept (Integer) As Of nvs:WrittenCallOptionsHeldByMarketMaker
1834 Written call options, contractual live Concept (Integer) As Of nvs:WrittenCallOptionsContractualLive
1835 Written call options, contractual live, remaining Concept (Integer) As Of nvs:WrittenCallOptionsContractualLiveRemaining
1836 Written call options, weighted average exercise price Concept (Share) As Of nvs:WrittenCallOptionsWeightedAverageExercisePrice
1837 Amount recorded in equity related to hyperinflation Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:AmountRecordedInEquityRelatedToHyperinflation
1838 2401800 - Disclosure - Non-current financial debt (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureNonCurrentFinancialDebtDetails
1839 Disclosure of components of non-current financial debts [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:DisclosureOfComponentsOfNoncurrentFinancialDebtsTable
1840 Disclosure of components of non-current financial debts [line items] LineItems nvs:DisclosureOfComponentsOfNoncurrentFinancialDebtsLineItems
1841 Straight bonds Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:BondsIssued
1842 Liabilities to banks and other institutions Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:LiabilitiesToBanksAndOtherInstitutions
1843 Finance lease obligations Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:FinanceLeaseLiabilities
1844 Total including current portion of non-current financial debt Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:Borrowings
1845 Less current portion of non-current financial debt Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:CurrentPortionOfLongtermBorrowings
1846 Total non-current financial debts Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:OtherNoncurrentFinancialLiabilities
1847 Average interest rate on loans received Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:AverageInterestRateOnLoansReceived
1848 Ratio fixed rate financial debt to total financial debt Concept (Percent) As Of nvs:RatioFixedRateFinancialDebtToTotalFinancialDebt
1849 Average interest rate on borrowings Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:AverageInterestRateOnBorrowings
1850 2401801 - Disclosure - Non-current financial debt (Details 2) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureNonCurrentFinancialDebtDetails2
1851 Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsTable
1852 Borrowings by name [axis] Axis ifrs-full:BorrowingsByNameAxis
1853 Borrowings by name [member] Member ifrs-full:BorrowingsByNameMember
1854 5.125% USD 3 000 million bond 2009/2019 of Novaritis Securities Investment Ltd., Hamilton, Bermuda issued at 99.822% [member] Member nvs:A5.125USD3000MillionBond20092019OfNovaritisSecuritiesInvestmentLtd.HamiltonBermudaIssuedAt99.822Member
1855 4.25% EUR 1 500 million bond 2009/2016 of Novartis Finance S.A. Luxembourg, Luxembourg, issued at 99.757% [member] Member nvs:A4.25EUR1500MillionBond20092016OfNovartisFinanceS.A.LuxembourgLuxembourgIssuedAt99.757Member
1856 4.4% USD 1 000 million bond 2010/2020 of Novartis Capital Corporation, New York United States, issued at 99.237% [member] Member nvs:A4.4USD1000MillionBond20102020OfNovartisCapitalCorporationNewYorkUnitedStatesIssuedAt99.237Member
1857 2.4% USD 1 500 million bond 2012/2022 of Novartis Capital Corporation, New York United States, issued at 99.225% [member] Member nvs:A2.4USD1500MillionBond20122022OfNovartisCapitalCorporationNewYorkUnitedStatesIssuedAt99.225Member
1858 3.7% USD 500 million bond 2012/2042 of Novartis Capital Corporation, New York United States, issued at 98.325% [member] Member nvs:A3.7USD500MillionBond20122042OfNovartisCapitalCorporationNewYorkUnitedStatesIssuedAt98.325Member
1859 3.4% USD 2 150 million bond 2014/2024 of Novartis Capital Corporation, New York United States, issued at 99.287% [member] Member nvs:A3.4USD2150MillionBond20122042OfNovartisCapitalCorporationNewYorkUnitedStatesIssuedAt99.287Member
1860 4.4% USD 1 850 million bond 2014/2044 of Novartis Capital Corporation, New York United States, issued at 99.196% [member] Member nvs:A4.4USD1850MillionBond20142044OfNovartisCapitalCorporationNewYorkUnitedStatesIssuedAt99.196Member
1861 0.75% EUR 600 million bond 2014/2021 of Novartis Finance S.A. Luxembourg, Luxembourg, issued at 99.134% [member] Member nvs:A0.75EUR600MillionBond20142021OfNovartisFinanceS.A.LuxembourgLuxembourgIssuedAt99.134Member
1862 1.625% EUR 600 million bond 2014/2026 of Novartis Finance S.A. Luxembourg, Luxembourg, issued at 99.697% [member] Member nvs:A1.625EUR600MillionBond20142026OfNovartisFinanceS.A.LuxembourgLuxembourgIssuedAt99.697Member
1863 0.25% CHF 500 million bond 2015/2025 of Novartis AG Basel Switzerland, issued at 100.64% [member] Member nvs:A0.25CHF500MillionBond20152025OfNovartisAGBaselSwitzerlandIssuedAt100.64Member
1864 0.625% CHF 550 million bond 2015/2029 of Novartis AG Basel Switzerland, issued at 100.502% [member] Member nvs:A0.625CHF550MillionBond20152029OfNovartisAGBaselSwitzerlandIssuedAt100.502Member
1865 1.050% CHF 325 million bond 2015/2035 of Novartis AG Basel Switzerland, issued at 100.479% [member] Member nvs:A1.050CHF325MillionBond20152035OfNovartisAGBaselSwitzerlandIssuedAt100.479Member
1866 3.0% USD 1 750 million bond 2015/2025 of Novartis Capital Corporation, New York United States, issued at 99.010% [member] Member nvs:A3.0USD1750MillionBond20152025OfNovartisCapitalCorporationNewYorkUnitedStatesIssuedAt99.010Member
1867 4.0% USD 1 250 million bond 2015/2045 of Novartis Capital Corporation, New York United States, issued at 98.029% [member] Member nvs:A4.0USD1250MillionBond20152045OfNovartisCapitalCorporationNewYorkUnitedStatesIssuedAt98.029Member
1868 0.125% EUR 1 250 million bond 2016/2023 of Novartis Finance S.A. Luxembourg, Luxembourg, issued at 99.127% [member] Member nvs:A0.125EUR1250MillionBond20162023OfNovartisFinanceS.A.LuxembourgLuxembourgIssuedAt99.127Member
1869 0.625% EUR 500 million bond 2016/2028 of Novartis Finance S.A. Luxembourg, Luxembourg, issued at 98.48% [member] Member nvs:A0.625EUR500MillionBond20162028OfNovartisFinanceS.A.LuxembourgLuxembourgIssuedAt98.48Member
1870 1.800% USD 1'000 million 2017/2020 of Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States, issued at 99.609% [member] Member nvs:A1.800USD1000Million20172020OfNovartisCapitalCorporationNewYorkUnitedStatesIssuedAt99.609Member
1871 2.400% USD 1'000 million 2017/2022 of Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States, issued at 99.449% [member] Member nvs:A2.400USD1000Million20172022OfNovartisCapitalCorporationNewYorkUnitedStatesIssuedAt99.449Member
1872 3.100% USD 1'000 million 2017/2027 of Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States, issued at 99.109% [member] Member nvs:A3.100USD1000Million20172027OfNovartisCapitalCorporationNewYorkUnitedStatesIssuedAt99.109Member
1873 0.000% EUR 1'250 million 2017/2021 of Novartis Finance S.A., Luxembourg, Luxembourg, issued at 99.133% [member] Member nvs:A0.000EUR1250Million20172021OfNovartisFinanceS.A.LuxembourgLuxembourgIssuedAt99.133Member
1874 1.125% EUR 600 million 2017/2027 of Novartis Finance S.A., Luxembourg, Luxembourg, issued at 99.874% [member] Member nvs:A1.125EUR600Million20172027OfNovartisFinanceS.A.LuxembourgLuxembourgIssuedAt99.874Member
1875 0.500% EUR 750 million 2018/2023 of Novartis Finance S.A., Luxembourg, Luxembourg issued at 99.655% [member] Member nvs:A0.500EUR750Million20182023OfNovartisFinanceS.A.LuxembourgLuxembourgIssuedAt99.655Member
1876 1.375% EUR 750 million 2018/2030 of Novartis Finance S.A., Luxembourg, Luxembourg issued at 99.957% [member] Member nvs:A1.375EUR750Million20182030OfNovartisFinanceS.A.LuxembourgLuxembourgIssuedAt99.957Member
1877 1.700% EUR 750 million 2018/2038 of Novartis Finance S.A., Luxembourg, Luxembourg issued at 99.217% [member] Member nvs:A1.700EUR750Million20182038OfNovartisFinanceS.A.LuxembourgLuxembourgIssuedAt99.217Member
1878 Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsLineItems
1879 Borrowings, coupon Concept (Percent) As Of ifrs-full:BorrowingsInterestRate
1880 Borrowings, original currency Concept (Text/String) For Period ifrs-full:BorrowingsOriginalCurrency
1881 Notional amount Concept (Monetary) As Of ifrs-full:NotionalAmount
1882 Borrowings, issuance year Concept (Text/String) For Period nvs:BorrowingsIssuanceDate
1883 Borrowings, maturity year Concept (Text/String) For Period ifrs-full:BorrowingsMaturity
1884 Borrowings, issuer Concept (Text/String) For Period nvs:BorrowingsLender
1885 Borrowings, issue price Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:BorrowingsPremiumDiscount
1886 Straight bonds Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:BondsIssued
1887 2401802 - Disclosure - Non-current financial debt (Details 3) Network

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 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureNonCurrentFinancialDebtDetails3
1888 Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfMaturityAnalysisForNonderivativeFinancialLiabilitiesTable
1889 Maturity [axis] Axis ifrs-full:MaturityAxis
1890 Aggregated time bands [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregatedTimeBandsMember
1891 Not later than one year [member] Member ifrs-full:NotLaterThanOneYearMember
1892 Later than one year and not later than two years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanOneYearAndNotLaterThanTwoYearsMember
1893 Later than two years and not later than three years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanTwoYearsAndNotLaterThanThreeYearsMember
1894 Later than three years and not later than four years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanThreeYearsAndNotLaterThanFourYearsMember
1895 Later than four years and not later than five years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanFourYearsAndNotLaterThanFiveYearsMember
1896 Later than five years and not later than six years [member] Member nvs:LaterThanFiveYearsAndNotLaterThanSixYearsMember
1897 Later than five years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanFiveYearsMember
1898 Later than six years [member] Member nvs:LaterThanSixYearsMember
1899 Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfMaturityAnalysisForNonderivativeFinancialLiabilitiesLineItems
1900 Borrowings Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:Borrowings
1901 2401803 - Disclosure - Non-current financial debt (Details 4) Network

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1902 Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [table] Table

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*

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1903 Currency [axis] Axis nvs:CurrencyAxis
1904 All Currencies [Domain] Member currency:AllCurrenciesDomain
1905 USD Member currency:USD
1906 EUR Member currency:EUR
1907 JPY Member currency:JPY
1908 CHF Member currency:CHF
1909 Others Member nvs:CurrencyOthersMember
1910 Disclosure of maturity analysis for non-derivative financial liabilities [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfMaturityAnalysisForNonderivativeFinancialLiabilitiesLineItems
1911 Borrowings Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:Borrowings
1912 2401804 - Disclosure - Non-current financial debt (Details 5) Network

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1913 Disclosure of fair value measurement of liabilities [table] Table

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1914 Fair value by measurement basis [axis] Axis nvs:FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis
1915 Fair value by measurement basis [member] Member nvs:FairValueByMeasurementBasisMember
1916 Balance sheet Member nvs:CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember
1917 Fair values Member nvs:FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsMember
1918 Disclosure of fair value measurement of liabilities [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFairValueMeasurementOfLiabilitiesLineItems
1919 Straight bonds Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:BondsIssued
1920 Others Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:OtherNoncurrentFinancialDebt
1921 Total Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:Borrowings
1922 2401805 - Disclosure - Non-current financial debt (Details 6) Network

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1923 Disclosure of the collateralized non-current financial debt and pledged assets [table] Table

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1924 Disclosure of the collateralized non-current financial debt and pledged assets [line items] LineItems nvs:DisclosureOfTheCollateralizedNoncurrentFinancialDebtAndPledgedAssetsLineItems
1925 Total amount of collateralized non-current financial debts Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:NoncurrentFinancialDebtsCoveredByCollateral
1926 Total net book value of property, plant and equipment pledged as collateral for non-current financial debts Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPledgedAsSecurity
1927 2401900 - Disclosure - Provisions and other non-current liabilities (Details) Network

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1928 Disclosure of other provisions [table] Table

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*

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1929 Disclosure of other provisions [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfOtherProvisionsLineItems
1930 Defined benefit pension plans Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:NoncurrentRecognisedLiabilitiesDefinedBenefitPlan
1931 Other long-term employee benefits and deferred compensation Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:OtherLongtermEmployeeBenefitsAndDeferredCompensation
1932 Other post-employment benefits Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:OtherPostemploymentBenefits
1933 Environmental remediation provisions Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:EnvironmentalRemediationProvisionNoncurrent
1934 Product liability, government investigations, other legal matters provisions Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ProductLiabilityGovernmentInvestigationsOtherLegalMattersProvisionsNoncurrent
1935 Contingent consideration Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ContingentConsiderationNonCurrent
1936 Other non-current liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:OtherNoncurrentLiabilities
1937 Total provisions and other non-current liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ProvisionsAndOtherNoncurrentLiabilities
1938 2401901 - Disclosure - Provisions and other non-current liabilities (Details 2) Network

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1939 Implied Table Table

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*

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1940 Disclosure of detailed information about provisions and non-current liabilities [abstract] Abstract nvs:DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutProvisionsAndNoncurrentLiabilitiesAbstract
1941 Environmental provision [roll forward] Abstract nvs:EnvironmentalProvisionRollForward
1942 Environmental liabilities provision at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:EnvironmentalProvision
1943 Cash payments Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:EnvironmentalProvisionPayments
1944 Releases Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:EnvironmentalProvisionReleases
1945 Additions Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:EnvironmentalProvisionAdditions
1946 Currency translation effects Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:EnvironmentalProvisionForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss
1947 Environmental liabilities provision at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:EnvironmentalProvision
1948 Less current provision Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:EnvironmentalProvisionCurrent
1949 Non-current environmental remediation provisions at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:EnvironmentalRemediationProvisionNoncurrent
1950 2401902 - Disclosure - Provisions and other non-current liabilities (Details 3) Network

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1951 Implied Table Table

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*

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1952 Environmental provision, fiscal year maturity [abstract] Abstract nvs:EnvironmentalProvisionFiscalYearMaturityAbstract
1953 Due within two years Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:EnvironmentalProvisionExpectedCashOutflowNextTwoYears
1954 Due later than two years, but within five years Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:EnvironmentalProvisionExpectedCashOutflowLaterThanTwoYearsButWithinFiveYears
1955 Due later than five years, but within ten years Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:EnvironmentalProvisionExpectedCashOutflowLaterThanFiveYearsButWithinTenYears
1956 Due after ten years Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:EnvironmentalProvisionExpectedCashOutflowAfterTenYears
1957 Total environmental remediation liability provisions Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:EnvironmentalProvision
1958 2401903 - Disclosure - Provisions and other non-current liabilities (Details 4) Network

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1959 Disclosure of other provisions [table] Table

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*

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1960 Classes of other provisions [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfProvisionsAxis
1961 Other provisions [member] Member ifrs-full:OtherProvisionsMember
1962 Legal proceedings provision [member] Member ifrs-full:LegalProceedingsProvisionMember
1963 Geographical areas [axis] Axis ifrs-full:GeographicalAreasAxis
1964 Geographical areas [member] Member ifrs-full:GeographicalAreasMember
1965 Italy Member country:IT
1966 Japan Member country:JP
1967 US Member country:US
1968 Canada Member country:CA
1969 South Korea Member country:KR
1970 Associates [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesAxis
1971 Entity's total for associates [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForAssociatesMember
1972 NAG and Novartis Pharma SpA [member] Member nvs:NAGAndNovartisPharmaSpAMember
1973 F Hoffman La Roche AG and Roche SpA [member] Member nvs:FHoffmanLaRocheAGAndRocheSpAMember
1974 Novartis Pharma K.K. [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaKKMember
1975 Sandoz [member] Member nvs:SandozMember
1976 NAG [member] Member nvs:NAGMember
1977 NPC and others [member] Member nvs:NPCAndOthersMember
1978 Alcon [member] Member nvs:AlconMember
1979 Novartis NC [member] Member nvs:NovartisNCMember
1980 Others associates [member] Member nvs:OthersAssociatesMember
1981 Products and services [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ProductsAndServicesAxis
1982 Products and services [member] Member ifrs-full:ProductsAndServicesMember
1983 Solodyn [member] Member nvs:SolodynMember
1984 Contact Lenses [member] Member nvs:ContactLensesMember
1985 Gleevec [member] Member nvs:GleevecMember
1986 Reclast/Aclasta [member] Member nvs:ReclastAclastaMember
1987 Tekturna/Rasilez/Valturna [member] Member nvs:TekturnaRasilezValturnaMember
1988 Lucentis [member] Member nvs:LucentisMember
1989 Taxotere [member] Member nvs:TaxotereMember
1990 Amiodarone [member] Member nvs:AmiodaroneMember
1991 Disclosure of other provisions [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfOtherProvisionsLineItems
1992 Product liability contingency, loss exposure not accrued, number of cases Concept (Integer) As Of nvs:ProductLiabilityContingencyLossExposureNotAccruedNumberOfCases
1993 Product liability contingency, loss exposure not accrued, best estimate Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ProductLiabilityContingencyLossExposureNotAccruedBestEstimate
1994 Estimated financial effect of contingent liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of ifrs-full:EstimatedFinancialEffectOfContingentLiabilities
1995 Description of nature of obligation contingent liabilities, number of legal questions referred to court Concept (Integer) As Of nvs:DescriptionOfNatureOfObligationContingentLiabilitiesNumberOfLegalQuestionsReferredToCourt
1996 Estimated financial effect of contingent liabilities, maximum fine Concept (Monetary) As Of nvs:EstimatedFinancialEffectOfContingentLiabilitiesMaximumFine
1997 Description of nature of obligation contingent liabilities, number of putative cases referred to court Concept (Integer) As Of nvs:DescriptionOfNatureOfObligationContingentLiabilitiesNumberOfPutativeCasesReferredToCourt
1998 Description of nature of obligation contingent liabilities, number of other cases referred to court Concept (Integer) As Of nvs:DescriptionOfNatureOfObligationContingentLiabilitiesNumberOfOtherCasesReferredToCourt
1999 Description of nature of obligation contingent liabilities, number of states with alleged violations Concept (Integer) As Of nvs:DescriptionOfNatureOfObligationContingentLiabilitiesNumberOfStatesWithAllegedViolations
2000 Description of nature of obligation contingent liabilities, number of cases still pending Concept (Integer) As Of nvs:DescriptionOfNatureOfObligationContingentLiabilitiesNumberOfCasesStillPending
2001 Amount of settlement in principle Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:AmountOfSettlementInPrinciple
2002 2401904 - Disclosure - Provisions and other non-current liabilities (Details 5) Network

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*

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2003 Implied Table Table

*

*

 implied:Table
2004 Disclosure of detailed information about provisions and non-current liabilities [abstract] Abstract nvs:DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutProvisionsAndNoncurrentLiabilitiesAbstract
2005 Product liability, government investigations, other legal matters provisions [roll forward] Abstract nvs:ProductLiabilityGovernmentInvestigationsOtherLegalMattersProvisionsRollForward
2006 Product liabilities government investigations other legal matters provisions at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ProductLiabilityGovernmentInvestigationsOtherLegalMattersProvisions
2007 Provisions related to discontinued operations Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ProductLiabilityGovernmentInvestigationsOtherLegalMattersProvisionsDiscontinuedOperations
2008 Cash payments Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ProductLiabilityGovernmentInvestigationsOtherLegalMattersProvisionsPayments
2009 Releases Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ProductLiabilityGovernmentInvestigationsOtherLegalMattersProvisionsReleases
2010 Additions Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ProductLiabilityGovernmentInvestigationsOtherLegalMattersProvisionsAdditions
2011 Currency translation effects Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ProductLiabilityGovernmentInvestigationsOtherLegalMattersProvisionsForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss
2012 Product liabilities government investigations other legal matters provisions at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ProductLiabilityGovernmentInvestigationsOtherLegalMattersProvisions
2013 Less current provision Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ProductLiabilityGovernmentInvestigationsOtherLegalMattersProvisionsCurrent
2014 Non-current product liabilities, governmental investigations and other legal matters provisions at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ProductLiabilityGovernmentInvestigationsOtherLegalMattersProvisionsNoncurrent
2015 2402000 - Disclosure - Current financial debt and derivative financial instruments (Details) Network

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*

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2016 Current financial debt and derivative financial instruments [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:CurrentFinancialDebtAndDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTable
2017 Current financial debt and derivative financial instruments [line items] LineItems nvs:CurrentFinancialDebtAndDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLineItems
2018 Interest bearning accounts of associates payable on demand Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:InterestBearningAccountsOfAssociatesPayableOnDemand
2019 Bank and other financial debt Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:ShorttermBorrowings
2020 Commercial Papers Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:CommercialPapersIssued
2021 Current portion of non-current financial debt Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:CurrentPortionOfLongtermBorrowings
2022 Fair value of derivative financial instruments Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:DerivativeFinancialLiabilities
2023 Total current financial debt and derivative financial instruments Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:OtherCurrentFinancialLiabilities
2024 Weighted average interest rate, associates Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:WeightedAverageInterestRateAssociates
2025 Weighted average interest rate on Bank and other financial debt Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:WeightedAverageInterestRateOnBankAndOtherFinancialDebt
2026 2402100 - Disclosure - Provisions and other current liabilities (Details) Network

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*

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2027 Provisions and other current liabilities [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:ProvisionsAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesTable
2028 Provisions and other current liabilities [line items] LineItems nvs:ProvisionsAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesLineItems
2029 Taxes other than income taxes Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:AccrualForTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxesCurrent
2030 Restructuring provisions Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:ShorttermRestructuringProvision
2031 Accrued expenses for goods and services received but not invoiced Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:AccrualsClassifiedAsCurrent
2032 Accruals for royalties Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:AccruedRoyaltiesPayableClassifiedAsCurrent
2033 Accrued interests on financial debt Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:CurrentInterestPayable
2034 Provisions for deductions from revenue Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:RefundsProvision
2035 Accurals for compensation and benefits including social security Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:ShorttermEmployeeBenefitsAccruals
2036 Environmental remediation liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:EnvironmentalProvisionCurrent
2037 Deferred income Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:DeferredIncomeClassifiedAsCurrent
2038 Provisions for product liabilities, governmental investigations and other legal matters Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ProductLiabilityGovernmentInvestigationsOtherLegalMattersProvisionsCurrent
2039 Accrued share-based payments Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:LiabilitiesFromSharebasedPaymentTransactions2011
2040 Contingent considerations Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ContingentConsiderationCurrentPortion
2041 Commitment for repurchase own shares Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:CommitmentForRepurchaseOwnShares
2042 Other payables Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:OtherCurrentPayables
2043 Total provisions and other current liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:OtherCurrentNonfinancialLiabilities
2044 2402101 - Disclosure - Provisions and other current liabilities (Details 2) Network

*

*

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2045 Provision for deduction from revenue [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:ProvisionForDeductionFromRevenueTable
2046 Plans and program rebates [axis] Axis nvs:PlansAndProgramRebatesAxis
2047 Plans and program rebates [member] Member nvs:PlansAndProgramRebatesMember
2048 US-specific healthcare plans and program rebates [member] Member nvs:USspecificHealthcarePlansAndProgramRebatesMember
2049 Non-US-specific healthcare plans and program rebates [member] Member nvs:NonUSspecificHealthcarePlansAndProgramRebatesMember
2050 Non-healthcare plans and program-related rebates, returns and other deductions [member] Member nvs:NonhealthcarePlansAndProgramrelatedRebatesReturnsAndOtherDeductionsMember
2051 Provisions and other current liabilities [line items] LineItems nvs:ProvisionsAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesLineItems
2052 Provisions for deductions from revenue [roll forward] Abstract nvs:ProvisionsForDeductionsFromRevenueRollForward
2053 Provisions for deductions from revenue, at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:RefundsProvision
2054 Effects of currency translation and business combinations Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:AcquisitionsThroughBusinessCombinationsOtherProvisionsAndIncreaseDecreaseThroughNetExchangeDifferencesOtherProvisions
2055 Payments/utilizations Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ProvisionUsedOtherProvisions
2056 Additions prior year Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IncomeStatementAdjustmentsOfPriorYear
2057 Additions current year Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IncomeStatementAdjustmentsOfCurrentYear
2058 Changes in offset against gross trade receivables Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ChangesInOffsetAgainstGrossTradeReceivables
2059 Provisions for deductions from revenue, at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:RefundsProvision
2060 2402102 - Disclosure - Provisions and other current liabilities (Details 3) Network

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*

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2061 Restructuring provisions movements [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:RestructuringProvisionsMovementsTable
2062 Classes of other provisions [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfProvisionsAxis
2063 Other provisions [member] Member ifrs-full:OtherProvisionsMember
2064 Restructuring provision Member ifrs-full:RestructuringProvisionMember
2065 Plans and program rebates [member] Member nvs:PlansAndProgramRebatesMember
2066 Provisions and other current liabilities [line items] LineItems nvs:ProvisionsAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesLineItems
2067 Restructuring provisions movements [roll forward] Abstract nvs:RestructuringProvisionsMovementsRollForward
2068 Provision at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:OtherProvisions
2069 Provisions related to discontinued operations Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:DecreaseThroughLossOfControlOfSubsidiaryOtherProvisions
2070 Additions Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:AdditionalProvisionsOtherProvisions
2071 Cash payments Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ProvisionUsedOtherProvisions
2072 Releases Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:UnusedProvisionReversedOtherProvisions
2073 Transfers Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:RestructuringProvisionTransfers
2074 Currency translation effects Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseThroughNetExchangeDifferencesOtherProvisions
2075 Provision at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:OtherProvisions
2076 2402200 - Disclosure - Details to the consolidated cash flow statements (Details) Network

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*

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2077 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
2078 Classes of assets [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfAssetsAxis
2079 Assets [member] Member ifrs-full:ClassesOfAssetsMember
2080 Property, plant and equipment Member ifrs-full:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember
2081 Intangible assets Member ifrs-full:IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillMember
2082 Financial assets impaired [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialAssetsImpairedMember
2083 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
2084 Depreciation, amortisation and impairment loss (reversal of impairment loss) recognised in profit or loss [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:DepreciationAmortisationAndImpairmentLossReversalOfImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLossAbstract
2085 Adjustments for depreciation and amortisation expense and impairment loss (reversal of impairment loss) recognised in profit or loss Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AdjustmentsForDepreciationAndAmortisationExpenseAndImpairmentLossReversalOfImpairmentLossRecognisedInProfitOrLoss
2086 Non-cash change in provisions and other non-current liabilities Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:AdjustmentForChangeInProvisionsAndOtherNoncurrentLiabilities
2087 Gains on disposal and other adjustments on property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, financial assets, and other non-current assets, net Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AdjustmentsForLossesGainsOnDisposalOfNoncurrentAssets
2088 Equity-based and settled compensation expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AdjustmentsForSharebasedPayments
2089 Income from associated companies Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:ShareOfProfitLossOfAssociatesAndJointVenturesAccountedForUsingEquityMethod
2090 Income tax expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:IncomeTaxExpenseContinuingOperations
2091 Net financial expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:AdjustmentsForFinanceIncomeCost
2092 Reversal of non-cash items and other adjustments Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AdjustmentsForReconcileProfitLoss
2093 Acquisitions through finance lease contracts property plant and equipment Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:AcquisitionsThroughFinanceLeaseContractsPropertyPlantAndEquipment
2094 2402201 - Disclosure - Details to the consolidated cash flow statements (Details 2) Network

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2095 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
2096 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
2097 (Increase) in inventories Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AdjustmentsForDecreaseIncreaseInInventories
2098 (Increase) in trade receivables Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AdjustmentsForDecreaseIncreaseInTradeAccountReceivable
2099 (Decrease)/Increase in trade payables Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AdjustmentsForIncreaseDecreaseInTradeAccountPayable
2100 Change in other net current assets and other operating cash flow items Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:OtherInflowsOutflowsOfCashClassifiedAsOperatingActivities
2101 Change in other current assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AdjustmentsForDecreaseIncreaseInOtherCurrentAssets
2102 Change in other current liabilities Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:AdjustmentsForIncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentLiabilities
2103 Change in cash settled share based payments liabilities Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ChangeInCashSettledShareBasedPaymentsLiabilities
2104 Other adjustments, net Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:OtherAdjustmentsToReconcileProfitLoss
2105 Total Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ChangeInNetCurrentAssetsAndOtherOperatingCashFlowItems
2106 2402202 - Disclosure - Details to the consolidated cash flow statements (Details 3) Network

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2107 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
2108 Legal Entity [Axis] Axis dei:LegalEntityAxis
2109 Entity [Domain] Member dei:EntityDomain
2110 GSK Consumer Healthcare Member nvs:GSKConsumerHealthcareMember
2111 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
2112 Divestments of interests in associated companies Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ProceedsFromSalesOfInterestsInAssociates
2113 Proceeds from disposal of non-current assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale and discontinued operations Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ProceedsFromDisposalOfNoncurrentAssetsOrDisposalGroupsClassifiedAsHeldForSaleAndDiscontinuedOperations
2114 2402203 - Disclosure - Details to the consolidated cash flow statements (Details 4) Network

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2115 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
2116 Acquisitions and divestments [axis] Axis nvs:AcquisitionsAndDivestmentsAxis
2117 Acquisitions and divestments [member] Member nvs:AcquisitionsAndDivestmentsMember
2118 Acquisitions Member nvs:AcquisitionsMember
2119 Divestments Member nvs:DivestmentsMember
2120 Continuing and discontinued operations [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
2121 Aggregate continuing and discontinued operations [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregateContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsMember
2122 Continuing operations Member ifrs-full:ContinuingOperationsMember
2123 Discontinued operations Member ifrs-full:DiscontinuedOperationsMember
2124 Business combinations [axis] Axis ifrs-full:BusinessCombinationsAxis
2125 Entity's total for business combinations [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForBusinessCombinationsMember
2126 Transcend Medical Inc [member] Member nvs:TranscendMedicalIncMember
2127 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
2128 Net identifiable assets (acquired) or divested Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:CashFlowFromNetIdentifiableAssets
2129 Fair value of previously held equity interests Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:CashInflowOutflowFairValueOfPreviouslyHeldEquityInterests
2130 Cash inflow outflow from net identifiable assets divested acquired Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:CashInflowOutflowFromNetIdentifiableAssetsDivestedAcquired
2131 Receivables and payables contingent consideration, net Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ReceivablesAndPayablesContingentConsiderationNet
2132 Other payments and deferred consideration, net Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:OtherPaymentsAndDeferredConsiderationNet
2133 Net cash flows Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:NetCashFlowsUsedInAcquisitionsAndDivestmentsOfBusinessesClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
2134 Net cash flows used in from divestments of businesses classified as investing activities Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:NetCashFlowsUsedInFromDivestmentsOfBusinessesClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
2135 Contingent consideration arrangements and indemnification assets recognised as of acquisition date Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:ContingentConsiderationArrangementsAndIndemnificationAssetsRecognisedAsOfAcquisitionDate
2136 Contingent consideration paid Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ContingentConsiderationPaid
2137 Non-current assets divested Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:NoncurrentAssetsDivested
2138 Current assets divested Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:CurrentAssetsDivested
2139 Current liabilities divested Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:CurrentLiabilitiesDivested
2140 Divested business Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:CashFlowsFromLosingControlOfSubsidiariesOrOtherBusinessesClassifiedAsInvestingActivities
2141 2402204 - Disclosure - Details to the consolidated cash flow statements (Details 5) Network

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2142 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
2143 Continuing and discontinued operations [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
2144 Aggregate continuing and discontinued operations [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregateContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsMember
2145 Discontinued operations Member ifrs-full:DiscontinuedOperationsMember
2146 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
2147 Net cash flows used in discontinued operations Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseInCashAndCashEquivalentsDiscontinuedOperations
2148 2402205 - Disclosure - Details to the consolidated cash flow statements (Details 6) Network

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2149 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
2150 Assets and liabilities [axis] Axis ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesAxis
2151 Assets and liabilities [member] Member ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesMember
2152 Non-current financial debts [member] Member nvs:NonCurrentFinancialDebtsMember
2153 Current financial debts and derivative financial instruments [member] Member nvs:CurrentFinancialDebtsAndDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember
2154 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
2155 Financial debts and derivative instruments at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:FinancialDebtsAndDerivativeInstruments
2156 Increase in non-current financial debts Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ProceedsFromNoncurrentBorrowings
2157 Repayment of non-current financial debts Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:RepaymentsOfNoncurrentBorrowings
2158 Change in current financial debts Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:CashFlowsFromUsedInIncreaseDecreaseInCurrentBorrowings
2159 Payments of finance lease liabilities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:PaymentsOfFinanceLeaseLiabilitiesClassifiedAsFinancingActivities
2160 Impact of business combinations Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseThroughObtainingOrLosingControlOfSubsidiariesOrOtherBusinessesLiabilitiesArisingFromFinancingActivities
2161 Changes in fair values and other changes Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:IncreaseDecreaseInFairValueMeasurementLiabilitiesAndOtherChanges
2162 Amortization of bonds discount Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:AmortizationOfBondsDiscount
2163 Currency translation effects Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseThroughEffectOfChangesInForeignExchangeRatesLiabilitiesArisingFromFinancingActivities
2164 Current portion of non-current financial debt Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:CurrentPortionOfNoncurrentFinancialDebt
2165 Financial debts and derivative instruments at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:FinancialDebtsAndDerivativeInstruments
2166 2402300 - Disclosure - Acquisitions of businesses (Details) Network

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 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureAcquisitionsOfBusinessesDetails
2167 Amounts recognised as of acquisition date for each major class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:AmountsRecognisedAsOfAcquisitionDateForEachMajorClassOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedTable
2168 Amounts recognised as of acquisition date for each major class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [line items] LineItems nvs:AmountsRecognisedAsOfAcquisitionDateForEachMajorClassOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLineItems
2169 Property, plant and equipment Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentRecognisedAsOfAcquisitionDate
2170 Currently marketed products Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:CurrentlyMarketedProductsIntangibleAssetsRecognisedAsOfAcquisitionDate
2171 Acquired research and development Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:AcquiredResearchAndDevelopmentIntangibleAssetsRecognisedAsOfAcquisitionDate
2172 Other intangible assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:OtherIntangibleAssetsRecognisedAsOfAcquisitionDate
2173 Deferred tax assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:DeferredTaxAssetsRecognisedAsOfAcquisitionDate
2174 Financial and other assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:FinancialAndOtherAssets
2175 Inventories Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:InventoryRecognisedAsOfAcquisitionDate
2176 Trade receivables and other current assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:TradeReceivablesAndOtherCurrentAssetsRecognisedAsOfAcquisitionDate
2177 Cash and cash equivalents Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CashAndCashEquivalentsRecognisedAsOfAcquisitionDate
2178 Deferred tax liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:DeferredTaxLiabilitiesRecognisedAsOfAcquisitionDate
2179 Current and non-current financial debts Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:FinancialLiabilitiesRecognisedAsOfAcquisitionDate
2180 Trade payables and other liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:TradePayablesAndOtherLiabilities
2181 Net identifiable assets acquired Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:IdentifiableAssetsAcquired
2182 Acquired liquidity Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:CashAndCashEquivalentsRecognisedAsOfAcquisitionDate
2183 Non-controlling interests Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:NoncontrollingInterestInAcquireeRecognisedAtAcquisitionDate
2184 Goodwill Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:GoodwillRecognisedAsOfAcquisitionDate
2185 Net assets recognized as a result of business combinations Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:IdentifiableAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumed
2186 Goodwill expected to be deductible for tax purposes Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:GoodwillExpectedDeductibleForTaxPurposes
2187 2402400 - Disclosure - Post-employment benefits for associates (Details) Network

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 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosurePostEmploymentBenefitsForAssociatesDetails
2188 Disclosure of defined benefit plans [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfDefinedBenefitPlansTable
2189 Defined benefit plans [axis] Axis ifrs-full:DefinedBenefitPlansAxis
2190 Defined benefit plans [member] Member ifrs-full:DefinedBenefitPlansMember
2191 Domestic defined benefit plans [member] Member ifrs-full:DomesticDefinedBenefitPlansMember
2192 Foreign defined benefit plans [member] Member ifrs-full:ForeignDefinedBenefitPlansMember
2193 Geographical areas [axis] Axis ifrs-full:GeographicalAreasAxis
2194 Geographical areas [member] Member ifrs-full:GeographicalAreasMember
2195 Switzerland Member ifrs-full:CountryOfDomicileMember
2196 US Member country:US
2197 Rest of the world Member ifrs-full:ForeignCountriesMember
2198 Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfDefinedBenefitPlansLineItems
2199 Concentration of major plans, geographic Concept (Text/String) For Period nvs:ConcentrationOfMajorPlansGeographic
2200 Description of plan amendments, curtailments and settlements Concept (Text/String) For Period ifrs-full:DescriptionOfPlanAmendmentsCurtailmentsAndSettlements
2201 Major plans percentage in group DBO pensions Concept (Percent) As Of nvs:MajorPlansPercentageInGroupDBOPensions
2202 Most signigicant countries percentage on group DBO post employment benefit plans Concept (Percent) As Of nvs:MostSignigicantCountriesPercentageOnGroupDBOPostEmploymentBenefitPlans
2203 Net Pre-tax curtailment gain (loss) Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments
2204 2402401 - Disclosure - Post-employment benefits for associates (Details 2) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosurePostEmploymentBenefitsForAssociatesDetails2
2205 Disclosure of defined benefit plans [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfDefinedBenefitPlansTable
2206 Retirement plan type [axis] Axis nvs:RetirementPlanTypeAxis
2207 Retirement plan type [member] Member nvs:RetirementPlanTypeMember
2208 Pension plans Member nvs:PensionPlanMember
2209 Other post-employment benefit plans Member nvs:OtherPostemploymentBenefitPlansMember
2210 Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAssetLineItems
2211 Defined benefit plan, change in benefit obligation [roll forward] Abstract nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward
2212 Benefit obligation at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:DefinedBenefitObligationAtPresentValue
2213 Current service cost Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:CurrentServiceCostNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2214 Interest cost Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
2215 Past service cost and settlements Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:PastServiceCostAndGainsLossesArisingFromSettlementsDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2216 Administrative expenses Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:AdministrativeExpenseNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2217 Remeasurement losses/(gains) arising from changes in financial assumptions Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ActuarialGainsLossesArisingFromChangesInFinancialAssumptionsNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2218 Remeasurement (gains) arising from changes in demographic assumptions Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ActuarialGainsLossesArisingFromChangesInDemographicAssumptionsNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2219 Experience-related remeasurement losses/(gains) Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ActuarialGainsLossesArisingFromChangesInExperienceRelatedAssumptionsNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2220 Currency translation effects Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IncreaseDecreaseThroughChangesInForeignExchangeRatesNetDefinedBenefitLiability
2221 Benefit payments Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:PaymentsFromPlanNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2222 Contributions of associates Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ContributionsToPlanByPlanParticipantsNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2223 Effect of acquisitions, divestments or transfers Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IncreaseDecreaseThroughAcquisitionsDivestmentsTransfersBenefitObligation1
2224 Benefit obligation at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:DefinedBenefitObligationAtPresentValue
2225 Defined benefit plan, change in fair value of plan assets [roll forward] Abstract nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward
2226 Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:PlanAssetsAtFairValue
2227 Interest income Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:InterestExpenseIncomeDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2228 Return on plan assets excluding interest income Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:ReturnOnPlanAssetsExcludingInterestIncomeNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2229 Currency translation effects Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IncreaseDecreaseThroughChangesInForeignExchangeRatesNetDefinedBenefitAsset
2230 Novartis Group contributions Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ContributionsToPlanByEmployerNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2231 Contributions of associates Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ContributionsToPlanByPlanParticipantsNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2232 Settlements Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets
2233 Benefit payments Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:PaymentsFromPlanNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2234 Effect of acquisitions, divestments or transfers Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IncreaseDecreaseThroughAcquisitionsDivestmentsTransfersDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset1
2235 Fair value of plan assets at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:PlanAssetsAtFairValue
2236 Funded status Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:SurplusDeficitInPlan
2237 Defined benefit plan, change in limitation on recognition of fund surplus [roll forward] Abstract nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInLimitationOnRecognitionOfFundSurplusRollForward
2238 Limitation on recognition of fund surplus at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:LimitationOnRecognitionOfFundSurplus
2239 Change in limitation on recognition of fund surplus (incl. exchange rate differences) Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ChangeInLimitationOnRecognitionOfFundSurplus
2240 Interest income on limitation of fund surplus Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:InterestIncomeOnLimitationOfFundSurplus
2241 Limitation on recognition of fund surplus at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:LimitationOnRecognitionOfFundSurplus
2242 Net liability in the balance sheet at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:LiabilityAssetOfDefinedBenefitPlans
2243 2402402 - Disclosure - Post-employment benefits for associates (Details 3) Network

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 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosurePostEmploymentBenefitsForAssociatesDetails3
2244 Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAssetTable
2245 Retirement plan type [axis] Axis nvs:RetirementPlanTypeAxis
2246 Retirement plan type [member] Member nvs:RetirementPlanTypeMember
2247 Pension plans Member nvs:PensionPlanMember
2248 Other post-employment benefit plans Member nvs:OtherPostemploymentBenefitPlansMember
2249 Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfDefinedBenefitPlansLineItems
2250 Defined benefit plan, change in net liability [roll forward] Abstract nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInNetLiabilityRollForward
2251 Net liability at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:LiabilityAssetOfDefinedBenefitPlans
2252 Current service cost Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:CurrentServiceCostNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2253 Net interest expense Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:InterestExpenseIncomeNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2254 Administrative expenses Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:AdministrativeExpenseNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2255 Past service cost and settlements Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:PastServiceCostAndGainsLossesArisingFromSettlementsNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2256 Remeasurements Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:GainLossOnRemeasurementOfNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2257 Currency translation effects Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseThroughChangesInForeignExchangeRatesNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2258 Novartis Group contributions Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ContributionsToPlanByEmployerNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset
2259 Effect of acquisitions, divestments or transfers Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IncreaseDecreaseThroughAcquisitionsDivestmentsTransfersNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAsset1
2260 Change in limitation on recognition of fund surplus (incl. exchange rate differences) Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:ChangeInLimitationOnRecognitionOfFundSurplus
2261 Net liability at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:LiabilityAssetOfDefinedBenefitPlans
2262 Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet [abstract] Abstract nvs:AmountsRecognizedInTheConsolidatedBalanceSheetAbstract
2263 Prepaid benefit cost Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:PrepaidPostemploymentBenefitPlansAssets
2264 Accrued benefit liability Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:DefinedBenefitPensionPlanAccruedBenefitLiabilities
2265 2402403 - Disclosure - Post-employment benefits for associates (Details 4) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosurePostEmploymentBenefitsForAssociatesDetails4
2266 Breakdown of defined benefit obligation for pension plans [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:BreakdownOfDefinedBenefitObligationForPensionPlansTable
2267 Retirement plan type [axis] Axis nvs:RetirementPlanTypeAxis
2268 Retirement plan type [member] Member nvs:RetirementPlanTypeMember
2269 Pension plans Member nvs:PensionPlanMember
2270 Other post-employment benefit plans Member nvs:OtherPostemploymentBenefitPlansMember
2271 Geographical areas [axis] Axis ifrs-full:GeographicalAreasAxis
2272 Geographical areas [member] Member ifrs-full:GeographicalAreasMember
2273 Switzerland Member ifrs-full:CountryOfDomicileMember
2274 US Member country:US
2275 Rest of the world Member ifrs-full:ForeignCountriesMember
2276 Obligation by type [axis] Axis nvs:ObligationByTypeAxis
2277 Obligation by type Member nvs:ObligationByTypeMember
2278 Unfunded Member nvs:UnfundedMember
2279 Active Member nvs:ActiveMember
2280 Deferred pensioners Member nvs:DeferredPensionersMember
2281 Pensioners Member nvs:PensionersMember
2282 Disclosure of net defined benefit liability (asset) [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfNetDefinedBenefitLiabilityAssetLineItems
2283 Defined benefit obligation, at present value Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:DefinedBenefitObligationAtPresentValue
2284 Plan assets, at fair value Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:PlanAssetsAtFairValue
2285 Funded status Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:SurplusDeficitInPlan
2286 2402404 - Disclosure - Post-employment benefits for associates (Details 5) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosurePostEmploymentBenefitsForAssociatesDetails5
2287 Schedule of defined benefit plans disclosures [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable
2288 Retirement plan type [axis] Axis nvs:RetirementPlanTypeAxis
2289 Retirement plan type [member] Member nvs:RetirementPlanTypeMember
2290 Pension plans Member nvs:PensionPlanMember
2291 Other post-employment benefit plans Member nvs:OtherPostemploymentBenefitPlansMember
2292 Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfDefinedBenefitPlansLineItems
2293 Discount rate Concept (Percent) As Of ifrs-full:ActuarialAssumptionOfDiscountRates
2294 Expected rate of pension increase Concept (Percent) As Of ifrs-full:ActuarialAssumptionOfExpectedRatesOfPensionIncreases
2295 Expected rate of salary increase Concept (Percent) As Of ifrs-full:ActuarialAssumptionOfExpectedRatesOfSalaryIncreases
2296 Interest on savings account Concept (Percent) As Of nvs:ActuarialAssumptionOfExpectedRatesOfInterestOnSavingsAccount
2297 Current life expectancy for a 65-year-old male Concept (xbrli:durationItemType) For Period nvs:DefinedBenefitAssumptionLifeExpectancyMale
2298 Current life expectancy for a 65-year-old female Concept (xbrli:durationItemType) For Period nvs:DefinedBenefitAssumptionLifeExpectancyFemale
2299 2402405 - Disclosure - Post-employment benefits for associates (Details 6) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosurePostEmploymentBenefitsForAssociatesDetails6
2300 Disclosure of sensitivity analysis for actuarial assumptions [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSensitivityAnalysisForActuarialAssumptionsTable
2301 Actuarial assumptions [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ActuarialAssumptionsAxis
2302 Actuarial assumptions [member] Member ifrs-full:ActuarialAssumptionsMember
2303 Discount rate Member ifrs-full:ActuarialAssumptionOfDiscountRatesMember
2304 Life expectancy Member nvs:LifeExpectancyMember
2305 Rate of pension increase Member ifrs-full:ActuarialAssumptionOfExpectedRatesOfPensionIncreasesMember
2306 Interest on savings account Member nvs:ActuarialAssumptionOfExpectedRatesOfInterestOnSavingsAccountMember
2307 Salary increase Member ifrs-full:ActuarialAssumptionOfExpectedRatesOfSalaryIncreasesMember
2308 Change in actuarial assumption [axis] Axis nvs:ChangeInActuarialAssumptionAxis
2309 Change in actuarial assumption [member] Member nvs:ChangeInActuarialAssumptionMember
2310 25 basis point increase Member nvs:Increase25BasisPointMember
2311 25 basis point decrease Member nvs:Decrease25BasisPointMember
2312 25 basis point change Member nvs:Change25BasisPointMember
2313 1 year increase Member nvs:Increase1YearMember
2314 Disclosure of sensitivity analysis for actuarial assumptions [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSensitivityAnalysisForActuarialAssumptionsLineItems
2315 Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation due to reasonably possible increase in actuarial assumption Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseInDefinedBenefitObligationDueToReasonablyPossibleIncreaseInActuarialAssumption
2316 Increase (decrease) in defined benefit obligation due to reasonably possible decrease in actuarial assumption Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseInDefinedBenefitObligationDueToReasonablyPossibleDecreaseInActuarialAssumption
2317 2402406 - Disclosure - Post-employment benefits for associates (Details 7) Network

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 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosurePostEmploymentBenefitsForAssociatesDetails7
2318 Schedule of health care cost trend rates [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:ScheduleOfHealthCareCostTrendRatesTable
2319 Retirement plan type [axis] Axis nvs:RetirementPlanTypeAxis
2320 Retirement plan type [member] Member nvs:RetirementPlanTypeMember
2321 Other post-employment benefit plans Member nvs:OtherPostemploymentBenefitPlansMember
2322 Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfDefinedBenefitPlansLineItems
2323 Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedNextFiscalYear
2324 Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedToDecline
2325 Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate Concept (Year) For Period nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanYearHealthCareCostTrendRateReachesUltimateTrendRate
2326 2402407 - Disclosure - Post-employment benefits for associates (Details 8) Network

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 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosurePostEmploymentBenefitsForAssociatesDetails8
2327 Schedule of allocation of plan assets [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:ScheduleOfAllocationOfPlanAssetsTable
2328 Retirement plan type [axis] Axis nvs:RetirementPlanTypeAxis
2329 Retirement plan type [member] Member nvs:RetirementPlanTypeMember
2330 Pension plans Member nvs:PensionPlanMember
2331 Classes of assets [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfAssetsAxis
2332 Assets [member] Member ifrs-full:ClassesOfAssetsMember
2333 Equity securities Member ifrs-full:EquityInvestmentsMember
2334 Debt securities Member ifrs-full:DebtSecuritiesMember
2335 Real estate Member nvs:RealEstateMember
2336 Alternative investments Member nvs:AlternativeInvestmentsMember
2337 Cash and other investments Member nvs:CashAndOtherInvestmentsMember
2338 Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfDefinedBenefitPlansLineItems
2339 Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations range minimum Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMinimum
2340 Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations range maximum Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMaximum
2341 Defined benefit plan, plan asset allocations Concept (Percent) As Of nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetAllocations
2342 Shares held by defined benefit plan Concept (Shares) As Of nvs:EmployerSharesHeldByDefinedBenefitPlan
2343 Value of shares held by defined benefit plan Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:ValueOfEmployerSharesHeldByDefinedBenefitPlan
2344 Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation years Concept (xbrli:durationItemType) For Period nvs:WeightedAverageDurationOfDefinedBenefitObligationYears
2345 2402408 - Disclosure - Post-employment benefits for associates (Details 9) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosurePostEmploymentBenefitsForAssociatesDetails9
2346 Schedule of expected benefit payments [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:ScheduleOfExpectedBenefitPaymentsTable
2347 Retirement plan type [axis] Axis nvs:RetirementPlanTypeAxis
2348 Retirement plan type [member] Member nvs:RetirementPlanTypeMember
2349 Pension plans Member nvs:PensionPlanMember
2350 Other post-employment benefit plans Member nvs:OtherPostemploymentBenefitPlansMember
2351 Maturity [axis] Axis ifrs-full:MaturityAxis
2352 Aggregated time bands [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregatedTimeBandsMember
2353 Not later than one year [member] Member ifrs-full:NotLaterThanOneYearMember
2354 Later than one year and not later than two years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanOneYearAndNotLaterThanTwoYearsMember
2355 Later than two years and not later than three years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanTwoYearsAndNotLaterThanThreeYearsMember
2356 Later than three years and not later than four years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanThreeYearsAndNotLaterThanFourYearsMember
2357 Later than four years and not later than five years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanFourYearsAndNotLaterThanFiveYearsMember
2358 Later than five years and not later than ten years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanFiveYearsAndNotLaterThanTenYearsMember
2359 Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfDefinedBenefitPlansLineItems
2360 Novartis Group contributions Abstract nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsAbstract
2361 Contributions, next fiscal year (estimated) Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsNextFiscalYear
2362 Expected future benefit payments Abstract nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentAbstract
2363 Expected future benefit payment Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPayment
2364 2402409 - Disclosure - Post-employment benefits for associates (Details 10) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosurePostEmploymentBenefitsForAssociatesDetails10
2365 Defined contribution pension and other post-retirement plans disclosure [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:DefinedContributionPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansDisclosureTable
2366 Continuing and discontinued operations [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
2367 Aggregate continuing and discontinued operations [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregateContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsMember
2368 Continuing operations Member ifrs-full:ContinuingOperationsMember
2369 Discontinued operations Member ifrs-full:DiscontinuedOperationsMember
2370 Defined contribution pension and other post-retirement plans disclosure [line items] LineItems nvs:DefinedContributionPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansDisclosureLineItems
2371 Post-employment benefit expense, defined contribution plans Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:PostemploymentBenefitExpenseDefinedContributionPlans
2372 2402500 - Disclosure - Equity-based participation plans for associates (Details) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureEquityBasedParticipationPlansForAssociatesDetails
2373 Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [table] Table

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*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfTermsAndConditionsOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementTable
2374 Continuing and discontinued operations [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
2375 Aggregate continuing and discontinued operations [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregateContinuingAndDiscontinuedOperationsMember
2376 Continuing operations Member ifrs-full:ContinuingOperationsMember
2377 Discontinued operations Member ifrs-full:DiscontinuedOperationsMember
2378 Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfTermsAndConditionsOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementLineItems
2379 Expense from share-based payment transactions with employees Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:ExpenseFromSharebasedPaymentTransactionsWithEmployees
2380 Liabilities from share-based payment transactions Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:LiabilitiesFromSharebasedPaymentTransactions2011
2381 2402501 - Disclosure - Equity-based participation plans for associates (Details 2) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureEquityBasedParticipationPlansForAssociatesDetails2
2382 Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfTermsAndConditionsOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementTable
2383 Types of share-based payment arrangements [axis] Axis ifrs-full:TypesOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementsAxis
2384 Share-based payment arrangements [member] Member ifrs-full:SharebasedPaymentArrangementsMember
2385 Annual incentive Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationAnnualIncentivePlanMember
2386 Share savings plans Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationShareSavingsPlanMember
2387 Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationEmployeeShareOwnershipPlanMember
2388 UK Share Savings Plan Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationUKShareSavingsPlanMember
2389 Leveraged Share Savings Plan (LSSP) Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationLeveragedShareSavingsPlanMember
2390 Select Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationNovartisEquityPlanSelectMember
2391 Select outside North America Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationNovartisEquityPlanSelectOutsideNorthAmericaMember
2392 Select North America Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationNovartisEquityPlanSelectNorthAmericaMember
2393 Long-Term Performance Plan Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationLongTermPerformancePlanMember
2394 Long-Term Relative Performance Plan Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationLongTermRelativePerformancePlanMember
2395 Other share awards Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationOtherShareAwardsMember
2396 Restricted Shares Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationRestrictedSharesMember
2397 Special share awards Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationSpecialShareAwardsMember
2398 Alcon equity plans granted to associates prior merger Member nvs:AlconInc.EquityPlansGrantedToAssociatesPriorMergerMember
2399 Range [axis] Axis ifrs-full:RangeAxis
2400 Ranges [member] Member ifrs-full:RangesMember
2401 Bottom of range [member] Member ifrs-full:BottomOfRangeMember
2402 Top of range [member] Member ifrs-full:TopOfRangeMember
2403 Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfTermsAndConditionsOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementLineItems
2404 Description of share-based payment arrangement Concept (Text/String) For Period ifrs-full:ExplanationOfShareOptionsInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2405 Description of Annual Incentive Concept (Text/String) For Period nvs:DescriptionOfAnnualIncentive
2406 2402502 - Disclosure - Equity-based participation plans for associates (Details 3) Network

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 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureEquityBasedParticipationPlansForAssociatesDetails3
2407 Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfNumberAndWeightedAverageRemainingContractualLifeOfOutstandingShareOptionsTable
2408 Types of share-based payment arrangements [axis] Axis ifrs-full:TypesOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementsAxis
2409 Share-based payment arrangements [member] Member ifrs-full:SharebasedPaymentArrangementsMember
2410 Select Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationNovartisEquityPlanSelectMember
2411 Select outside North America Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationNovartisEquityPlanSelectOutsideNorthAmericaMember
2412 Ranges of exercise prices for outstanding share options [axis] Axis ifrs-full:RangesOfExercisePricesForOutstandingShareOptionsAxis
2413 Exercise prices for outstanding share options [member] Member ifrs-full:RangesOfExercisePricesForOutstandingShareOptionsMember
2414 46.7 Member nvs:ExercisePrice46.7Member
2415 54.5 Member nvs:ExercisePrice54.5Member
2416 57.0 Member nvs:ExercisePrice57.0Member
2417 57.6 Member nvs:ExercisePrice57.6Member
2418 66.0 Member nvs:ExercisePrice66.0Member
2419 Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfNumberAndWeightedAverageRemainingContractualLifeOfOutstandingShareOptionsLineItems
2420 Disclosure of number and weighted average exercise prices of share options [roll forward] Abstract nvs:DisclosureOfNumberAndWeightedAverageExercisePricesOfShareOptionsRollForward
2421 Number of share options outstanding at beginning of period Concept (Decimal) As Of ifrs-full:NumberOfOutstandingShareOptions
2422 Weighted average exercise price of share options outstanding at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfShareOptionsOutstandingInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2423 Number of share options exercised or sold Concept (Decimal) For Period ifrs-full:NumberOfShareOptionsExercisedInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2424 Weighted average exercise price of share options exercised or sold Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfShareOptionsExercisedInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2425 Number of share options forfeited or expired Concept (Decimal) For Period ifrs-full:NumberOfShareOptionsForfeitedInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2426 Weighted average exercise price of share options forfeited or expired Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfShareOptionsForfeitedInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2427 Number of share options outstanding at end of period Concept (Decimal) As Of ifrs-full:NumberOfOutstandingShareOptions
2428 Weighted average exercise price of share options outstanding at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfShareOptionsOutstandingInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2429 Number of share options exercisable Concept (Decimal) As Of ifrs-full:NumberOfShareOptionsExercisableInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2430 Weighted average exercise price of share options exercisable Concept (Monetary) As Of ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfShareOptionsExercisableInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2431 Weighted average share price at dates of exercise Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:WeightedAverageSharePrice
2432 Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:DisclosureOfNumberAndWeightedAverageRemainingContractualLifeOfOutstandingShareOptionsAbstract
2433 Exercise price of outstanding share options Concept (Monetary) As Of ifrs-full:ExercisePriceOfOutstandingShareOptions
2434 Number of share options outstanding in share-based payment arrangement Concept (Decimal) As Of ifrs-full:NumberOfOutstandingShareOptions
2435 Weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options Concept (Decimal) As Of ifrs-full:WeightedAverageRemainingContractualLifeOfOutstandingShareOptions
2436 Weighted average exercise price of share options outstanding in share-based payment arrangement Concept (Monetary) As Of ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfShareOptionsOutstandingInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2437 2402503 - Disclosure - Equity-based participation plans for associates (Details 4) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureEquityBasedParticipationPlansForAssociatesDetails4
2438 Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfNumberAndWeightedAverageRemainingContractualLifeOfOutstandingShareOptionsTable
2439 Types of share-based payment arrangements [axis] Axis ifrs-full:TypesOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementsAxis
2440 Share-based payment arrangements [member] Member ifrs-full:SharebasedPaymentArrangementsMember
2441 Select Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationNovartisEquityPlanSelectMember
2442 Select North America Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationNovartisEquityPlanSelectNorthAmericaMember
2443 Ranges of exercise prices for outstanding share options [axis] Axis ifrs-full:RangesOfExercisePricesForOutstandingShareOptionsAxis
2444 Exercise prices for outstanding share options [member] Member ifrs-full:RangesOfExercisePricesForOutstandingShareOptionsMember
2445 46.4 Member nvs:ExercisePrice46.4Member
2446 53.7 Member nvs:ExercisePrice53.7Member
2447 57.1 Member nvs:ExercisePrice57.1Member
2448 58.3 Member nvs:ExercisePrice58.3Member
2449 66.1 Member nvs:ExercisePrice66.1Member
2450 Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfNumberAndWeightedAverageRemainingContractualLifeOfOutstandingShareOptionsLineItems
2451 Disclosure of number and weighted average exercise prices of share options [roll forward] Abstract nvs:DisclosureOfNumberAndWeightedAverageExercisePricesOfShareOptionsRollForward
2452 Number of share options outstanding at beginning of period Concept (Decimal) As Of ifrs-full:NumberOfOutstandingShareOptions
2453 Weighted average exercise price of share options outstanding at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfShareOptionsOutstandingInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2454 Number of share options exercised or sold Concept (Decimal) For Period ifrs-full:NumberOfShareOptionsExercisedInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2455 Weighted average exercise price of share options exercised or sold Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfShareOptionsExercisedInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2456 Number of share options forfeited or expired Concept (Decimal) For Period ifrs-full:NumberOfShareOptionsForfeitedInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2457 Weighted average exercise price of share options forfeited or expired Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfShareOptionsForfeitedInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2458 Number of share options outstanding at end of period Concept (Decimal) As Of ifrs-full:NumberOfOutstandingShareOptions
2459 Weighted average exercise price of share options outstanding at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfShareOptionsOutstandingInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2460 Number of share options exercisable Concept (Decimal) As Of ifrs-full:NumberOfShareOptionsExercisableInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2461 Weighted average exercise price of share options exercisable Concept (Monetary) As Of ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfShareOptionsExercisableInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2462 Weighted average share price at dates of exercise Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:WeightedAverageSharePrice
2463 Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:DisclosureOfNumberAndWeightedAverageRemainingContractualLifeOfOutstandingShareOptionsAbstract
2464 Exercise price of outstanding share options Concept (Monetary) As Of ifrs-full:ExercisePriceOfOutstandingShareOptions
2465 Number of share options outstanding in share-based payment arrangement Concept (Decimal) As Of ifrs-full:NumberOfOutstandingShareOptions
2466 Weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options Concept (Decimal) As Of ifrs-full:WeightedAverageRemainingContractualLifeOfOutstandingShareOptions
2467 Weighted average exercise price of share options outstanding in share-based payment arrangement Concept (Monetary) As Of ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfShareOptionsOutstandingInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2468 2402504 - Disclosure - Equity-based participation plans for associates (Details 5) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureEquityBasedParticipationPlansForAssociatesDetails5
2469 Schedule of unvested restricted stock units roll forward [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:ScheduleOfUnvestedRestrictedStockUnitsRollForwardTable
2470 Non-vesting [axis] Axis nvs:NonvestingAxis
2471 Non-vesting [member] Member nvs:NonvestingMember
2472 Non-vested shares granted [member] Member nvs:NonvestedSharesGrantedMember
2473 Types of share-based payment arrangements [axis] Axis ifrs-full:TypesOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementsAxis
2474 Share-based payment arrangements [member] Member ifrs-full:SharebasedPaymentArrangementsMember
2475 Annual incentive Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationAnnualIncentivePlanMember
2476 Share savings plans Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationShareSavingsPlanMember
2477 Select Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationNovartisEquityPlanSelectMember
2478 Select North America Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationNovartisEquityPlanSelectNorthAmericaMember
2479 Select outside North America Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationNovartisEquityPlanSelectOutsideNorthAmericaMember
2480 Long-Term Performance Plan Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationLongTermPerformancePlanMember
2481 Long-Term Relative Performance Plan Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationLongTermRelativePerformancePlanMember
2482 Other share awards Member nvs:EquityBasedParticipationOtherShareAwardsMember
2483 Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfTermsAndConditionsOfSharebasedPaymentArrangementLineItems
2484 Schedule of unvested restricted stock units [roll forward] Abstract nvs:ScheduleOfUnvestedRestrictedStockUnitsRollForward
2485 Number of shares at beginning of period Concept (Decimal) As Of ifrs-full:NumberOfOtherEquityInstrumentsOutstandingInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2486 Weighted average fair value at grante date at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfOtherEquityInstrumentsOutstandingInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2487 Fair value at grante date at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:SharebasedCompensationArrangementByOtherEquityInstrumentsNonVestedInPeriodFairValue
2488 Granted, number of shares Concept (Decimal) For Period ifrs-full:NumberOfInstrumentsOtherEquityInstrumentsGranted
2489 Granted, weighted average fair value at grante date Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfOtherEquityInstrumentsGrantedInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2490 Granted, fair value at grante date Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:SharebasedCompensationArrangementByOtherEquityInstrumentsGrantedInPeriodFairValue
2491 Vested, number of shares Concept (Decimal) For Period ifrs-full:NumberOfOtherEquityInstrumentsExercisedOrVestedInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2492 Vested, weighted average fair value at grante date Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfOtherEquityInstrumentsExercisedOrVestedInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2493 Vested, fair value at grante date Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:SharebasedCompensationArrangementByOtherEquityInstrumentsVestedInPeriodFairValue
2494 Forfeited, number of shares Concept (Decimal) For Period ifrs-full:NumberOfOtherEquityInstrumentsForfeitedInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2495 Forfeited, weighted average fair value at grante date Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfOtherEquityInstrumentsForfeitedInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2496 Forfeited, fair value at grante date Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:SharebasedCompensationArrangementByOtherEquityInstrumentsForfeitedInPeriodFairValue
2497 Number of shares at end of period Concept (Decimal) As Of ifrs-full:NumberOfOtherEquityInstrumentsOutstandingInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2498 Weighted average fair value at grante date at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of ifrs-full:WeightedAverageExercisePriceOfOtherEquityInstrumentsOutstandingInSharebasedPaymentArrangement
2499 Fair value at grante date at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:SharebasedCompensationArrangementByOtherEquityInstrumentsNonVestedInPeriodFairValue
2500 2402600 - Disclosure - Transaction with related parties (Details 1) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureTransactionsWithRelatedPartiesDetails1
2501 Disclosure of transactions between related parties [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfTransactionsBetweenRelatedPartiesTable
2502 Categories of related parties [axis] Axis ifrs-full:CategoriesOfRelatedPartiesAxis
2503 Entity's total for related parties [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForRelatedPartiesMember
2504 Key management personnel of entity or parent [member] Member ifrs-full:KeyManagementPersonnelOfEntityOrParentMember
2505 Non-Executive Director [member] Member nvs:NonExecutiveDirectorMember
2506 Associates [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesAxis
2507 Entity's total for associates [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForAssociatesMember
2508 Roche Holding AG [member] Member nvs:RocheHoldingAGMember
2509 Genentech / Roche [member] Member nvs:GenentechRocheMember
2510 Genentech, Inc., USA [member] Member nvs:GenentechInc.USAMember
2511 Products and services [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ProductsAndServicesAxis
2512 Products and services [member] Member ifrs-full:ProductsAndServicesMember
2513 Lucentis [member] Member nvs:LucentisMember
2514 Xolair [member] Member nvs:XolairMember
2515 Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfTransactionsBetweenRelatedPartiesLineItems
2516 Proportion of voting rights held in associate Concept (Percent) For Period ifrs-full:ProportionOfVotingPowerHeldInAssociate
2517 Net sales to third parties Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:RevenueFromSaleOfGoodsThirdParties
2518 Net expense, royalties cost sharing and profit sharing Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:NetExpenseRoyaltiesCostSharingAndProfitSharing
2519 Number of contracts with related parties Concept (Integer) For Period nvs:NumberOfContractsWithRelatedParties
2520 Executive Commitee members Concept (Integer) For Period nvs:RelatedPartiesNumberOfExecutiveCommiteeMembers
2521 Non-executive directors Concept (Integer) For Period nvs:RelatedPartiesNumberOfNonexecutiveDirectors
2522 2402601 - Disclosure - Transactions with related parties (Details 2) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureTransactionsWithRelatedPartiesDetails2
2523 Disclosure of transactions between related parties [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfTransactionsBetweenRelatedPartiesTable
2524 Categories of related parties [axis] Axis ifrs-full:CategoriesOfRelatedPartiesAxis
2525 Entity's total for related parties [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForRelatedPartiesMember
2526 Key management personnel of entity or parent [member] Member ifrs-full:KeyManagementPersonnelOfEntityOrParentMember
2527 Non-Executive Director [member] Member nvs:NonExecutiveDirectorMember
2528 Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfTransactionsBetweenRelatedPartiesLineItems
2529 Benefits other than equity-based compensation Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:KeyManagementPersonnelCompensationShorttermEmployeeBenefits
2530 Post-employment benefits Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:KeyManagementPersonnelCompensationPostemploymentBenefits
2531 Equity-based compensation Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:KeyManagementPersonnelCompensationSharebasedPayment
2532 Total Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:KeyManagementPersonnelCompensation
2533 2402602 - Disclosure - Transactions with related parties (Details 3) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureTransactionsWithRelatedPartiesDetails3
2534 Disclosure of transactions between related parties [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfTransactionsBetweenRelatedPartiesTable
2535 Categories of related parties [axis] Axis ifrs-full:CategoriesOfRelatedPartiesAxis
2536 Entity's total for related parties [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForRelatedPartiesMember
2537 Key management personnel of entity or parent [member] Member ifrs-full:KeyManagementPersonnelOfEntityOrParentMember
2538 Prof. Dr. Brody [member] Member nvs:ProfDrBrodyMember
2539 Prof. Dr. Zinkernagel [member] Member nvs:ProfDrZinkernagelMember
2540 Dr. Alex Krauer [member] Member nvs:DrAlexKrauerMember
2541 Dr. Daniel Vasella [member] Member nvs:DrDanielVasellaMember
2542 Dr. James Bradner [member] Member nvs:DrJamesBradnerMember
2543 Associates [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SignificantInvestmentsInAssociatesAxis
2544 Entity's total for associates [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForAssociatesMember
2545 Novartis Pension Fund [member] Member nvs:NovartisPensionFundMember
2546 Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfTransactionsBetweenRelatedPartiesLineItems
2547 Key management personnel compensation Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:KeyManagementPersonnelCompensation
2548 Key management personnel compensation, daily rate Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:KeyManagementPersonnelCompensationDailyRate
2549 Key management personnel compensation, annual guaranteed minimum Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:KeyManagementPersonnelCompensationAnnualGuaranteedMinimum
2550 Key management personnel compensation, shares acquired Concept (Shares) For Period nvs:KeyManagementPersonnelCompensationSharesAcquired
2551 Key management personnel compensation, shares acquired, price Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:KeyManagementPersonnelCompensationSharesAcquiredPrice
2552 Key management personnel compensation, ownership interest acquired Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:KeyManagementPersonnelCompensationOwnershipInterestAcquired
2553 Borrowings credit facility uncommitted Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:BorrowingsCreditFacilityUncommitted
2554 2402700 - Disclosure - Commitments and contingencies (Details) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails
2555 Schedule for commitments under fixed term operating leases [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:ScheduleForCommitmentsUnderFixedTermOperatingLeasesTable
2556 Maturity [axis] Axis ifrs-full:MaturityAxis
2557 Aggregated time bands [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregatedTimeBandsMember
2558 Not later than one year Member ifrs-full:NotLaterThanOneYearMember
2559 Later than one year and not later than two years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanOneYearAndNotLaterThanTwoYearsMember
2560 Later than two years and not later than three years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanTwoYearsAndNotLaterThanThreeYearsMember
2561 Later than three years and not later than four years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanThreeYearsAndNotLaterThanFourYearsMember
2562 Later than four years and not later than five years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanFourYearsAndNotLaterThanFiveYearsMember
2563 Later than five years Member ifrs-full:LaterThanFiveYearsMember
2564 Schedule for commitments under fixed term operating leases [line items] LineItems nvs:ScheduleForCommitmentsUnderFixedTermOperatingLeasesLineItems
2565 Leasing commitments Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:MinimumLeasePaymentsPayableUnderNoncancellableOperatingLease
2566 Expense of current year Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit ifrs-full:LeaseAndSubleasePaymentsRecognisedAsExpense
2567 2402701 - Disclosure - Commitments and contingencies (Details 2) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails2
2568 Schedule for commitments under research and development and other intangible asset purchase [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:ScheduleForCommitmentsUnderResearchAndDevelopmentTable
2569 Maturity [axis] Axis ifrs-full:MaturityAxis
2570 Aggregated time bands [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregatedTimeBandsMember
2571 Not later than one year Member ifrs-full:NotLaterThanOneYearMember
2572 Later than one year and not later than two years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanOneYearAndNotLaterThanTwoYearsMember
2573 Later than two years and not later than three years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanTwoYearsAndNotLaterThanThreeYearsMember
2574 Later than three years and not later than four years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanThreeYearsAndNotLaterThanFourYearsMember
2575 Later than four years and not later than five years [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanFourYearsAndNotLaterThanFiveYearsMember
2576 Later than five years Member ifrs-full:LaterThanFiveYearsMember
2577 Schedule for commitments under research and development and other intangible asset purchase [line items] LineItems nvs:ScheduleForCommitmentsUnderResearchAndDevelopmentAgreementsLineItems
2578 Commitments under long-term research and development agreements Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:CommitmentsUnderLongtermResearchAgreements
2579 Other intangible asset purchase commitments Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:OtherIntangiblePurchaseCommitments
2580 Total Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ResearchAndDevelopmentAndOtherIntangiblePurchaseCommitments
2581 2402800 - Disclosure - Financial instruments - additional disclosures (Details) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalDisclosuresDetails
2582 Disclosure of financial assets [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFinancialAssetsTable
2583 Classes of financial assets [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfFinancialAssetsAxis
2584 Financial assets, class [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialAssetsMember
2585 Cash and cash equivalents [member] Member nvs:CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
2586 Financial assets at fair value, class [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialAssetsAtFairValueMember
2587 Financial assets at amortised cost, class [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialAssetsAtAmortisedCostMember
2588 Categories of financial assets [axis] Axis ifrs-full:CategoriesOfFinancialAssetsAxis
2589 Financial assets, category [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialAssetsCategoryMember
2590 Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income, category [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialAssetsAtFairValueThroughOtherComprehensiveIncomeCategoryMember
2591 Financial assets at amortised cost, category [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialAssetsAtAmortisedCostCategoryMember
2592 Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, category [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialAssetsAtFairValueThroughProfitOrLossCategoryMember
2593 Groups of financial assets/liabilities [axis] Axis nvs:GroupsOfFinancialAssetsLiabilitiesAxis
2594 Groups of financial assets/liabilities [member] Member nvs:GroupsOfFinancialAssetsLiabilitiesMember
2595 Marketable securities, fair value through other comprehensive income [member] Member nvs:MarketableSecuritiesFairValueThroughOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
2596 Available-for-sale marketable securities [member] Member nvs:AvailableForSaleMarketableSecuritiesMember
2597 Long-term financial investments, fair value through other comprehensive income [member] Member nvs:LongtermFinancialInvestmentsFairValueThroughOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
2598 Available-for-sale long-term financial investments [member] Member nvs:AvailableforsaleLongtermFinancialInvestmentsMember
2599 Current financial debt [member] Member nvs:CurrentFinancialDebtMember
2600 Balance sheet item [axis] Axis nvs:BalanceSheetItemAxis
2601 Balance sheet item [member] Member nvs:BalanceSheetItemMember
2602 Debt securities [member] Member ifrs-full:DebtSecuritiesMember
2603 Equity securities [member] Member nvs:EquitySecuritiesMember
2604 Fund investments [member] Member nvs:FundInvestmentsMember
2605 Contingent consideration receivables [member] Member nvs:ContingentConsiderationReceivablesMember
2606 Trade receivables and other current assets excluding pre-payments [member] Member nvs:TradeReceivablesAndOtherCurrentAssetsExcludingPrepaymentsMember
2607 Accrued interest on debt securities and time deposits [member] Member nvs:AccruedInterestOnDebtSecuritiesAndTimeDepositsMember
2608 Time deposits with original maturity more than 90 days [member] Member nvs:TimeDepositsWithOriginalMaturityMoreThan90DaysMember
2609 Long-term loans and receivables from customers and finance lease, advances, security deposits [member] Member nvs:LongtermLoansAndReceivablesFromCustomersAndFinanceLeaseAdvancesSecurityDepositsMember
2610 Associated companies at fair value through profit and loss [member] Member nvs:AssociatedCompaniesAtFairValueThroughProfitAndLossMember
2611 Derivative financial instruments [member] Member nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember
2612 Disclosure of financial assets [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFinancialAssetsLineItems
2613 Financial assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:FinancialAssets
2614 2402801 - Disclosure - Financial instruments - additional disclosures (Details 2) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalDisclosuresDetails2
2615 Disclosure of financial liabilities [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFinancialLiabilitiesTable
2616 Classes of financial liabilities [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis
2617 Financial liabilities, class [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialLiabilitiesMember
2618 Financial liabilities at amortised cost, class [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialLiabilitiesAtAmortisedCostMember
2619 Financial liabilities at fair value, class [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialLiabilitiesAtFairValueMember
2620 Categories of financial liabilities [axis] Axis ifrs-full:CategoriesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis
2621 Financial liabilities, category [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialLiabilitiesCategoryMember
2622 Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, category [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialLiabilitiesAtFairValueThroughProfitOrLossCategoryMember
2623 Financial liabilities at amortised cost, category [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialLiabilitiesAtAmortisedCostCategoryMember
2624 Groups of financial assets/liabilities [axis] Axis nvs:GroupsOfFinancialAssetsLiabilitiesAxis
2625 Groups of financial assets/liabilities [member] Member nvs:GroupsOfFinancialAssetsLiabilitiesMember
2626 Current financial debt [member] Member nvs:CurrentFinancialDebtMember
2627 Non-current financial debt [member] Member nvs:NoncurrentFinancialDebtMember
2628 Trade payables [member] Member nvs:TradePayablesMember
2629 Balance sheet item [axis] Axis nvs:BalanceSheetItemAxis
2630 Balance sheet item [member] Member nvs:BalanceSheetItemMember
2631 Interest bearning accounts of associates payable on demand [member] Member nvs:InterestBearningAccountsOfAssociatesPayableOnDemandMember
2632 Bank and other financial debt [member] Member nvs:BankAndOtherFinancialDebtMember
2633 Commercial paper [member] Member nvs:CommercialPaperMember
2634 Current portion of non-current debt [member] Member nvs:CurrentPortionOfNoncurrentDebtMember
2635 Straight bonds [member] Member nvs:StraightBondsMember
2636 Liabilities to banks and other financial institutions [member] Member nvs:LiabilitiesToBanksAndOtherFinancialInstitutionsMember
2637 Finance lease obligations [member] Member nvs:FinanceLeaseObligationsMember
2638 Contingent consideration and other financial liabilities [member] Member nvs:ContingentConsiderationAndOtherFinancialLiabilitiesMember
2639 Derivative financial instruments [member] Member nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember
2640 Derivative financial instruments, at fair value currency related [member] Member nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAtFairValueCurrencyRelatedMember
2641 Disclosure of financial liabilities [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFinancialLiabilitiesLineItems
2642 Financial liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:FinancialLiabilities
2643 2402802 - Disclosure - Financial instruments - additional disclosures (Details 3) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalDisclosuresDetails3
2644 Disclosure of derivative financial instruments, by type of contract [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:DisclosureOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsByTypeOfContractTable
2645 Derivative financial instrument, nature of instrument [axis] Axis nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentNatureOfInstrumentAxis
2646 Derivative financial instrument, nature of instrument [member] Member nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentNatureOfInstrumentMember
2647 Derivative financial instruments, at fair value currency related [member] Member nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAtFairValueCurrencyRelatedMember
2648 Financial instruments, principal amounts [axis] Axis nvs:FinancialInstrumentsPrincipalAmountsAxis
2649 Financial instruments, principal amounts [member] Member nvs:FinancialInstrumentsPrincipalAmountsMember
2650 Contract or underlying principal amout [member] Member nvs:ContractOrUnderlyingPrincipalAmoutMember
2651 Positive fair values [member] Member nvs:PositiveFairValuesMember
2652 Negative fair values [member] Member nvs:NegativeFairValuesMember
2653 Disclosure of derivative financial instruments [line items] LineItems nvs:DisclosureOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLineItems
2654 Derivative financial instruments, forward foreign exchange rate contracts Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsForwardForeignExchangeRateContracts
2655 Derivative financial instruments, over-the-counter currency options Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsOverthecounterCurrencyOptions
2656 Derivative financial instruments Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstruments
2657 2402803 - Disclosure - Financial instruments - additional disclosures (Details 4) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalDisclosuresDetails4
2658 Disclosure of derivative financial instruments, by currency contract [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:DisclosureOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsByCurrencyContractTable
2659 Derivative financial instrument, nature of instrument [axis] Axis nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentNatureOfInstrumentAxis
2660 Derivative financial instrument, nature of instrument [member] Member nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentNatureOfInstrumentMember
2661 Derivative financial instruments, at fair value currency related [member] Member nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAtFairValueCurrencyRelatedMember
2662 Financial instruments, principal amounts [axis] Axis nvs:FinancialInstrumentsPrincipalAmountsAxis
2663 Financial instruments, principal amounts [member] Member nvs:FinancialInstrumentsPrincipalAmountsMember
2664 Contract or underlying principal amout [member] Member nvs:ContractOrUnderlyingPrincipalAmoutMember
2665 Currency [axis] Axis nvs:CurrencyAxis
2666 All Currencies [Domain] Member currency:AllCurrenciesDomain
2667 EUR Member currency:EUR
2668 USD Member currency:USD
2669 JPY Member currency:JPY
2670 Others Member nvs:CurrencyOthersMember
2671 Disclosure of derivative financial instruments [line items] LineItems nvs:DisclosureOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLineItems
2672 Derivative financial instruments, forward foreign exchange rate contracts Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsForwardForeignExchangeRateContracts
2673 Derivative financial instruments Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstruments
2674 2402804 - Disclosure - Financial instruments - additional disclosures (Details 5) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalDisclosuresDetails5
2675 Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFairValueMeasurementOfAssetsTable
2676 Measurement [axis] Axis ifrs-full:MeasurementAxis
2677 Aggregated measurement [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregatedMeasurementMember
2678 Recurring fair value measurement [member] Member ifrs-full:RecurringFairValueMeasurementMember
2679 Levels of fair value hierarchy [axis] Axis ifrs-full:LevelsOfFairValueHierarchyAxis
2680 All levels of fair value hierarchy [member] Member ifrs-full:AllLevelsOfFairValueHierarchyMember
2681 Level 1 of fair value hierarchy [member] Member ifrs-full:Level1OfFairValueHierarchyMember
2682 Level 2 of fair value hierarchy [member] Member ifrs-full:Level2OfFairValueHierarchyMember
2683 Level 3 of fair value hierarchy [member] Member ifrs-full:Level3OfFairValueHierarchyMember
2684 Valued at amortized cost [member] Member nvs:ValuedAtAmortizedCostMember
2685 Groups of financial assets/liabilities [axis] Axis nvs:GroupsOfFinancialAssetsLiabilitiesAxis
2686 Groups of financial assets/liabilities [member] Member nvs:GroupsOfFinancialAssetsLiabilitiesMember
2687 Marketable securities, time deposits and derivative financial instruments [member] Member nvs:TotalMarketableSecuritiesTimeDepositsAndDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsGroupMember
2688 Financial investments and long-term loans [member] Member nvs:FinancialInvestmentsAndLongtermLoansGroupMember
2689 Associated companies at fair value through profit and loss [member] Member nvs:AssociatedCompaniesAtFairValueThroughProfitAndLossMember
2690 Contingent consideration receivables short-term [member] Member nvs:ContingentConsiderationReceivablesShorttermMember
2691 Classes of assets [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfAssetsAxis
2692 Assets [member] Member ifrs-full:ClassesOfAssetsMember
2693 Debt securities Member ifrs-full:DebtSecuritiesMember
2694 Equity securities [member] Member nvs:EquitySecuritiesMember
2695 Fund investments [member] Member nvs:FundInvestmentsMember
2696 Total available-for-sale marketable securities [member] Member nvs:TotalAvailableforsaleMarketableSecuritiesMember
2697 Time deposits with original maturity more than 90 days [member] Member nvs:TimeDepositsWithOriginalMaturityMoreThan90DaysMember
2698 Derivative financial instruments [member] Member nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember
2699 Accrued interest on debt securities and time deposits [member] Member nvs:AccruedInterestOnDebtSecuritiesAndTimeDepositsMember
2700 Available-for-sale financial investments [member] Member nvs:AvailableforsaleFinancialInvestmentsMember
2701 Contingent consideration receivables [member] Member nvs:ContingentConsiderationReceivablesMember
2702 Long-term loans and receivables from customers and finance lease, advances, security deposits [member] Member nvs:LongtermLoansAndReceivablesFromCustomersAndFinanceLeaseAdvancesSecurityDepositsMember
2703 Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFairValueMeasurementOfAssetsLineItems
2704 Financial assets, at fair value Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:FinancialAssetsAtFairValue
2705 2402805 - Disclosure - Financial instruments - additional disclosures (Details 6) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalDisclosuresDetails6
2706 Disclosure of fair value measurement of liabilities [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFairValueMeasurementOfLiabilitiesTable
2707 Measurement [axis] Axis ifrs-full:MeasurementAxis
2708 Aggregated measurement [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregatedMeasurementMember
2709 Recurring fair value measurement [member] Member ifrs-full:RecurringFairValueMeasurementMember
2710 Levels of fair value hierarchy [axis] Axis ifrs-full:LevelsOfFairValueHierarchyAxis
2711 All levels of fair value hierarchy [member] Member ifrs-full:AllLevelsOfFairValueHierarchyMember
2712 Level 1 of fair value hierarchy [member] Member ifrs-full:Level1OfFairValueHierarchyMember
2713 Level 2 of fair value hierarchy [member] Member ifrs-full:Level2OfFairValueHierarchyMember
2714 Level 3 of fair value hierarchy [member] Member ifrs-full:Level3OfFairValueHierarchyMember
2715 Valued at amortized cost [member] Member nvs:ValuedAtAmortizedCostMember
2716 Classes of liabilities [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfLiabilitiesAxis
2717 Liabilities [member] Member ifrs-full:LiabilitiesMember
2718 Contingent consideration payables [member] Member nvs:ContingentConsiderationPayablesMember
2719 Other financial liabilities [member] Member nvs:OtherFinancialLiabilitiesMember
2720 Derivative financial instruments [member] Member nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember
2721 Disclosure of fair value measurement of liabilities [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFairValueMeasurementOfLiabilitiesLineItems
2722 Financial liabilities, at fair value Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:FinancialLiabilitiesAtFairValue
2723 2402806 - Disclosure - Financial instruments - additional disclosures (Details 7) Network

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*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalDisclosuresDetails7
2724 Reconciliation of changes in fair value measurement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:ReconciliationOfChangesInFairValueMeasurementAssetsTable
2725 Groups of financial assets/liabilities [axis] Axis nvs:GroupsOfFinancialAssetsLiabilitiesAxis
2726 Groups of financial assets/liabilities [member] Member nvs:GroupsOfFinancialAssetsLiabilitiesMember
2727 Associated companies at fair value through profit and loss [member] Member nvs:AssociatedCompaniesAtFairValueThroughProfitAndLossMember
2728 Fund investments [member] Member nvs:FundInvestmentsMember
2729 Available-for-sale financial investments [member] Member nvs:AvailableforsaleFinancialInvestmentsMember
2730 Long term financial investments [member] Member nvs:LongTermFinancialInvestmentsMember
2731 Contingent consideration receivables [member] Member nvs:ContingentConsiderationReceivablesMember
2732 Contingent consideration payables [member] Member nvs:ContingentConsiderationPayablesMember
2733 Other financial liabilities [member] Member nvs:OtherFinancialLiabilitiesMember
2734 Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale [axis] Axis ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesClassifiedAsHeldForSaleAxis
2735 Assets and liabilities not classified as held for sale [member] Member ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesNotClassifiedAsHeldForSaleMember
2736 Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale [member] Member ifrs-full:AssetsAndLiabilitiesClassifiedAsHeldForSaleMember
2737 Disposal groups classified as held for sale [member] Member ifrs-full:DisposalGroupsClassifiedAsHeldForSaleMember
2738 Disclosure of derivative financial instruments [line items] LineItems nvs:DisclosureOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLineItems
2739 Fair value measurement, carrying value, level 3, at beginning of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:FinancialInstrumentsCarryingValueLevel3
2740 Fair value gains and other adjustments including from divestments recognized in the consolidated income statement Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:GainsRecognisedInProfitOrLossFairValueMeasurementAssets
2741 Fair value losses (including impairments and amortizations) and other adjustments recognized in the consolidated income statement Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:LossesRecognisedInProfitOrLossFairValueMeasurementAssets
2742 Fair value adjustments recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income Concept (Monetary) For Period nvs:FairValueAdjustmentsRecognizedInTheConsolidatedStatementOfComprehensiveIncome
2743 Purchases fair value measurement assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:PurchaseFairValueMeasurementAssets
2744 Cash receipts and payments fair value measurement assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:CashReceiptsAndPaymentsFairValueMeasurementAssets
2745 Disposals fair value measurement assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:DisposalsFairValueMeasurementAssets
2746 Provisions and other non-current liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ProvisionsAndOtherNoncurrentLiabilities
2747 Reclassification fair value measurement assets Concept (Monetary) For Period nvs:ReclassificationFairValueMeasurementAssets
2748 Fair value measurement, carrying value, level 3, at end of period Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:FinancialInstrumentsCarryingValueLevel3
2749 Total fair value gains and (losses) recognized in the consolidated income statement for assets and liabilities held at period end Concept (Monetary) As Of nvs:FairValueGainsAndLossesRecognizedInTheConsolidatedIncomeStatementForAssetsAndLiabilitiesHeld
2750 2402807 - Disclosure - Financial instruments - additional disclosures (Details 8) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalDisclosuresDetails8
2751 Monitoring of net debt or liquidity based on contractual maturities [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:MonitoringOfNetDebtOrLiquidityBasedOnContractualMaturitiesTable
2752 Maturity [axis] Axis ifrs-full:MaturityAxis
2753 Aggregated time bands [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregatedTimeBandsMember
2754 Not later than one month [member] Member ifrs-full:NotLaterThanOneMonthMember
2755 Later than one month and not later than three months [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanOneMonthAndNotLaterThanThreeMonthsMember
2756 Later than three month and not later than twelve months [member] Member nvs:LaterThanThreeMonthAndNotLaterThanTwelveMonthsMember
2757 Between one and five years Member ifrs-full:LaterThanOneYearAndNotLaterThanFiveYearsMember
2758 Later than five years Member ifrs-full:LaterThanFiveYearsMember
2759 Groups of financial assets/liabilities [axis] Axis nvs:GroupsOfFinancialAssetsLiabilitiesAxis
2760 Groups of financial assets/liabilities [member] Member nvs:GroupsOfFinancialAssetsLiabilitiesMember
2761 Marketable securities and time deposits [member] Member nvs:MarketableSecuritiesAndTimeDepositsMember
2762 Commodities [member] Member nvs:CommoditiesMember
2763 Deriviative financial instruments and accrued interest [member] Member nvs:DeriviativeFinancialInstrumentsAndAccruedInterestMember
2764 Cash and cash equivalents [member] Member nvs:CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
2765 Financial debt [member] Member nvs:FinancialDebtMember
2766 Financial debt - undiscounted [member] Member nvs:FinancialDebtUndiscountedMember
2767 Derivative financial instruments [member] Member nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember
2768 Maturity of net debt [line items] LineItems nvs:MaturityOfNetDebtLineItems
2769 Current financial assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:CashAndCashEquivalentsMarketableSecuritiesCommoditiesTimeDepositsAndDerivativeFinancialInstruments
2770 Non-current financial debts Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:OtherNoncurrentFinancialLiabilities
2771 Current financial debt Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:OtherCurrentFinancialLiabilities
2772 Net debt Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:NetDebt
2773 2402808 - Disclosure - Financial instruments - additional disclosures (Details 9) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalDisclosuresDetails9
2774 Derivative financial instruments and accrued interest on derivative financial instruments [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndAccruedInterestOnDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTable
2775 Maturity [axis] Axis ifrs-full:MaturityAxis
2776 Aggregated time bands [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregatedTimeBandsMember
2777 Not later than one month [member] Member ifrs-full:NotLaterThanOneMonthMember
2778 Later than one month and not later than three months [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanOneMonthAndNotLaterThanThreeMonthsMember
2779 Later than three month and not later than twelve months [member] Member nvs:LaterThanThreeMonthAndNotLaterThanTwelveMonthsMember
2780 Derivative financial instruments and accrued interest on derivative financial instruments [line items] LineItems nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndAccruedInterestOnDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLineItems
2781 Potential outflows in various currencies - from financial derivative liabilities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:PotentialOutflowsInVariousCurrenciesFromFinancialDerivativeLiabilities
2782 Potential inflows in various currencies - from financial derivative assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:PotentialInflowsInVariousCurrenciesFromFinancialDerivativeAssets
2783 2402809 - Disclosure - Financial instruments - additional disclosures (Details 10) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalDisclosuresDetails10
2784 Derivative financial instruments and accrued interest on derivative financial instruments [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndAccruedInterestOnDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTable
2785 Maturity [axis] Axis ifrs-full:MaturityAxis
2786 Aggregated time bands [member] Member ifrs-full:AggregatedTimeBandsMember
2787 Later than one month and not later than three months [member] Member ifrs-full:LaterThanOneMonthAndNotLaterThanThreeMonthsMember
2788 Later than three month and not later than twelve months [member] Member nvs:LaterThanThreeMonthAndNotLaterThanTwelveMonthsMember
2789 Between one and five years Member ifrs-full:LaterThanOneYearAndNotLaterThanFiveYearsMember
2790 Later than five years Member ifrs-full:LaterThanFiveYearsMember
2791 Derivative financial instruments and accrued interest on derivative financial instruments [line items] LineItems nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndAccruedInterestOnDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLineItems
2792 Contractual interest on non-current liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:ContractualInterestOnNoncurrentLiabilities
2793 Trade payables and commitment for repurchase of own shares Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:TradeAndOtherPayablesToTradeSuppliers
2794 2402810 - Disclosure - Financial instruments - additional disclosures (Details 11) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalDisclosuresDetails11
2795 Ten day loss fair value VAR model [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:TenDayLossFairValueVARModelTable
2796 Range [axis] Axis ifrs-full:RangeAxis
2797 Ranges [member] Member ifrs-full:RangesMember
2798 Average Member ifrs-full:WeightedAverageMember
2799 High Member ifrs-full:TopOfRangeMember
2800 Low Member ifrs-full:BottomOfRangeMember
2801 Worst case loss scenario Member nvs:WorstCaseLossScenarioMember
2802 Ten day loss fair value VAR model [line items] LineItems nvs:TenDayLossFairValueVARModelLineItems
2803 All financial instruments Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:FinancialInstrumentsValueAtRiskComputation
2804 Instruments sensitive to foreign currency exchange rates Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:FinancialInstrumentsValueAtRiskComputationSensitiveToForeignCurrencyExchangeRates
2805 Instruments sensitive to equity market movements Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:FinancialInstrumentsValueAtRiskComputationSensitiveToEquityMarketMovements
2806 Instruments sensitive to interest rates Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:FinancialInstrumentsValueAtRiskComputationSensitiveToInterestRates
2807 2402811 - Disclosure - Financial instruments - additional disclosures (Details 12) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalDisclosuresDetails12
2808 Disclosure of financial instruments - narrative [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:DisclosureOfFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeTable
2809 Vendor [axis] Axis nvs:VendorAxis
2810 Vendor [member] Member nvs:VendorMember
2811 Largest financial institution [member] Member nvs:LargestFinancialInstitutionMember
2812 Second largest financial institution [member] Member nvs:SecondLargestFinancialInstitutionMember
2813 Third largest financial institution [member] Member nvs:ThirdLargestFinancialInstitutionMember
2814 Borrowings by name [axis] Axis ifrs-full:BorrowingsByNameAxis
2815 Borrowings by name [member] Member ifrs-full:BorrowingsByNameMember
2816 US commercial paper programs [member] Member nvs:USCommercialPaperProgramsMember
2817 JP commercial paper programs [member] Member nvs:JPCommercialPaperProgramsMember
2818 Disclosure of derivative financial instruments [line items] LineItems nvs:DisclosureOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLineItems
2819 Open hedges for anticipated transactions Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:OpenHedgesForAnticipatedTransactions
2820 Transfers out of Level 3 of fair value hierarchy, assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit ifrs-full:TransfersOutOfLevel3OfFairValueHierarchyAssets
2821 Amount of change in OCI when pricing parameters for level 3 change more than 10% Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:AmountOfChangeInOCIWhenPricingParametersForLevel3ChangeMoreThan10
2822 Amount of change in OCI when most significant parameters for level 3 change more than 10% Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:AmountOfChangeInOCIWhenMostSignificantParametersForLevel3ChangeMoreThan10
2823 Amount of change in OCI when POS for level 3 change more than 10% Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:AmountOfChangeInOCIWhenPOSForLevel3ChangeMoreThan10
2824 Fair value on sale of other financial assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:FairValueOnSaleOfOtherFinancialAssets
2825 Most significant foreign exchange losses Concept (Monetary) For Period Debit nvs:MostSignificantForeignExchangeLosses
2826 Long-term financial debt with a carrying amount Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:LongtermFinancialDebtWithACarryingAmount
2827 Maximum margin percentage impact of commodity price change Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:MaximumMarginPercentageImpactOfCommodityPriceChange
2828 Maximum holding in unrelated company Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:MaximumHoldingInUnrelatedCompany
2829 Unrealized loss was recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in currency translation effects in relation with this net investment hedge Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit nvs:UnrealizedLossWasRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedInCurrencyTranslationEffectsInRelationWithThisNetInvestmentHedge
2830 Unrealized income was recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in currency translation effects in relation with this net investment hedge Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:UnrealizedIncomeWasRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndAccumulatedInCurrencyTranslationEffectsInRelationWithThisNetInvestmentHedge
2831 Net investment hedge recognized in the income statement Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:NetInvestmentHedgeRecognizedInTheIncomeStatement
2832 Upper limit on holdings on unrelated company Concept (Text/String) For Period nvs:UpperLimitOnHoldingsOnUnrelatedCompany
2833 Borrowings commercial paper maximum borrowing amount Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:BorrowingsCommercialPaperMaximumBorrowingAmount
2834 Borrowings commercial paper maximum amount outstanding Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:BorrowingsCommercialPaperMaximumAmountOutstanding
2835 Borrowings commercial paper, number of programs Concept (Integer) As Of nvs:BorrowingsCommercialPaperNumberOfPrograms
2836 Borrowings credit facility committed Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:BorrowingsCreditFacilityCommitted
2837 Debt/equity ratio Concept (Text/String) For Period nvs:DebtEquityRatio
2838 VAR estimate confidence interval Concept (Percent) As Of nvs:VAREstimateConfidenceInterval
2839 Net loss/gain recorded on equity securities and fund investments at fair value through the consolidated income statement Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:NetLossGainRecordedOnEquitySecuritiesAndFundInvestmentsAtFairValueThroughTheConsolidatedIncomeStatement
2840 Counterparty risk [abstract] Abstract nvs:CounterpartyRiskAbstract
2841 Percentage of entity's cash and cash equivalents held with financial institution Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:CashAndCashEquivalentsHeldWithFinancialInstitution
2842 2402812 - Disclosure - Financial instruments - additional disclosures (Details 13) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalDisclosuresDetails13
2843 Disclosure of major customers [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfMajorCustomersTable
2844 Major customers [axis] Axis ifrs-full:MajorCustomersAxis
2845 Customers [member] Member ifrs-full:MajorCustomersMember
2846 Largest customer [member] Member nvs:LargestCustomerMember
2847 Second largest customer [member] Member nvs:SecondLargestCustomerMember
2848 Third largest customer [member] Member nvs:ThirdLargestCustomerMember
2849 Disclosure of major customers [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfMajorCustomersLineItems
2850 Percentage of entity's revenue Concept (Percent) For Period ifrs-full:PercentageOfEntitysRevenue
2851 Highest amount of trade receivables Concept (Percent) For Period nvs:HighestAmountOfTradeReceivables
2852 Customers with net sales over five percent Concept (Text/String) For Period nvs:CustomersWithNetSalesOverFivePercent
2853 2402813 - Disclosure - Financial instruments - additional disclosures (Details 14) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalDisclosuresDetails14
2854 Disclosure of fair value of investments in equity instruments designated at fair value through other comprehensive income [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFairValueOfInvestmentsInEquityInstrumentsDesignatedAsMeasuredAtFairValueThroughOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable
2855 Investments in equity instruments designated at fair value through other comprehensive income [axis] Axis ifrs-full:InvestmentsInEquityInstrumentsMeasuredAtFairValueThroughOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis
2856 Investments in equity instruments designated at fair value through other comprehensive income [member] Member ifrs-full:InvestmentsInEquityInstrumentsMeasuredAtFairValueThroughOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember
2857 Listed equity securities [member] Member nvs:ListedEquitySecuritiesMember
2858 Non-listed equity securities [member] Member nvs:NonlistedEquitySecuritiesMember
2859 Disclosure of fair value of investments in equity instruments designated at fair value through other comprehensive income [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFairValueOfInvestmentsInEquityInstrumentsDesignatedAsMeasuredAtFairValueThroughOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems
2860 Equity securities Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:FairValueOfInvestmentsInEquityInstrumentsDesignatedAsMeasuredAtFairValueThroughOtherComprehensiveIncome
2861 Fair value on sale of other financial assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:FairValueOnSaleOfOtherFinancialAssets
2862 Gain (loss) on sale of other financial assets Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:GainLossOnSaleOfOtherFinancialAssets
2863 2402900 - Disclosure - Impacts of adoption of new IFRS standards (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureImpactOfAdaptionOfNewIfrsStandardsDetailsQ
2864 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
2865 Retrospective application and retrospective restatement [axis] Axis ifrs-full:RetrospectiveApplicationAndRetrospectiveRestatementAxis
2866 Currently stated [member] Member ifrs-full:RestatedMember
2867 Previously stated [member] Member ifrs-full:PreviouslyStatedMember
2868 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy and corrections of prior period errors [member] Member ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyAndCorrectionsOfPriorPeriodErrorsMember
2869 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialEffectOfChangesInAccountingPolicyMember
2870 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy required by IFRSs [member] Member ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyRequiredByIFRSsMember
2871 Adjustment, IFRS 15 Member nvs:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyIFRS15Member
2872 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
2873 Assets [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:AssetsAbstract
2874 Non-current assets [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:NoncurrentAssetsAbstract
2875 Deferred tax assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:DeferredTaxAssets
2876 Total non-current assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:NoncurrentAssets
2877 Total assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:Assets
2878 Equity and liabilities [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:EquityAndLiabilitiesAbstract
2879 Equity [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:EquityAbstract
2880 Reserves Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:OtherReserves
2881 Total equity Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:Equity
2882 Liabilities [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:LiabilitiesAbstract
2883 Non-current liabilities [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:NoncurrentLiabilitiesAbstract
2884 Deferred tax liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:DeferredTaxLiabilities
2885 Provisions and other non-current liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:ProvisionsAndOtherNoncurrentLiabilities
2886 Total non-current liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:NoncurrentLiabilities
2887 Current liabilities [abstract] Abstract ifrs-full:CurrentLiabilitiesAbstract
2888 Provisions and other current liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:OtherCurrentNonfinancialLiabilities
2889 Total current liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:CurrentLiabilities
2890 Total liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:Liabilities
2891 Total equity and liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:EquityAndLiabilities
2892 2402901 - Disclosure - Impacts of adoption of new IFRS standards (Details 2) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureImpactOfAdaptionOfNewIfrsStandardsDetails2Q
2893 Statement of changes in equity [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:StatementOfChangesInEquityTable
2894 Components of equity [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ComponentsOfEquityAxis
2895 Equity [member] Member ifrs-full:EquityMember
2896 Equity attributable to owners of parent [member] Member ifrs-full:EquityAttributableToOwnersOfParentMember
2897 Retained earnings Member ifrs-full:RetainedEarningsMember
2898 Total fair value adjustments Member nvs:TotalFairValueAdjustmentsMember
2899 Retrospective application and retrospective restatement [axis] Axis ifrs-full:RetrospectiveApplicationAndRetrospectiveRestatementAxis
2900 Currently stated [member] Member ifrs-full:RestatedMember
2901 Previously stated [member] Member ifrs-full:PreviouslyStatedMember
2902 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy and corrections of prior period errors [member] Member ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyAndCorrectionsOfPriorPeriodErrorsMember
2903 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialEffectOfChangesInAccountingPolicyMember
2904 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy required by IFRSs [member] Member ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyRequiredByIFRSsMember
2905 Adjustment, IFRS 9 Member nvs:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyIFRS9Member
2906 Adjustment, IFRS 15 Member nvs:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyIFRS15Member
2907 Statement of changes in equity [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:StatementOfChangesInEquityLineItems
2908 Total equity Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:Equity
2909 2402902 - Disclosure - Impacts of adoption of new IFRS standards (Details 3) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureImpactOfAdaptionOfNewIfrsStandardsDetails3Q
2910 Disclosure of financial assets [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFinancialAssetsTable
2911 Classes of financial assets [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfFinancialAssetsAxis
2912 Financial assets, class [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialAssetsMember
2913 Cash and cash equivalents [member] Member nvs:CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
2914 Financial assets at fair value, class [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialAssetsAtFairValueMember
2915 Financial assets at amortised cost, class [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialAssetsAtAmortisedCostMember
2916 Categories of financial assets [axis] Axis ifrs-full:CategoriesOfFinancialAssetsAxis
2917 Financial assets, category [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialAssetsCategoryMember
2918 Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income, category [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialAssetsAtFairValueThroughOtherComprehensiveIncomeCategoryMember
2919 Financial assets at amortised cost, category [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialAssetsAtAmortisedCostCategoryMember
2920 Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, category [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialAssetsAtFairValueThroughProfitOrLossCategoryMember
2921 Groups of financial assets/liabilities [axis] Axis nvs:GroupsOfFinancialAssetsLiabilitiesAxis
2922 Groups of financial assets/liabilities [member] Member nvs:GroupsOfFinancialAssetsLiabilitiesMember
2923 Available-for-sale marketable securities [member] Member nvs:AvailableForSaleMarketableSecuritiesMember
2924 Available-for-sale long-term financial investments [member] Member nvs:AvailableforsaleLongtermFinancialInvestmentsMember
2925 Current financial debt [member] Member nvs:CurrentFinancialDebtMember
2926 Balance sheet item [axis] Axis nvs:BalanceSheetItemAxis
2927 Balance sheet item [member] Member nvs:BalanceSheetItemMember
2928 Debt securities [member] Member ifrs-full:DebtSecuritiesMember
2929 Equity securities [member] Member nvs:EquitySecuritiesMember
2930 Fund investments [member] Member nvs:FundInvestmentsMember
2931 Contingent consideration receivables [member] Member nvs:ContingentConsiderationReceivablesMember
2932 Trade receivables and other current assets excluding pre-payments [member] Member nvs:TradeReceivablesAndOtherCurrentAssetsExcludingPrepaymentsMember
2933 Accrued interest on debt securities and time deposits [member] Member nvs:AccruedInterestOnDebtSecuritiesAndTimeDepositsMember
2934 Time deposits with original maturity more than 90 days [member] Member nvs:TimeDepositsWithOriginalMaturityMoreThan90DaysMember
2935 Long-term loans and receivables from customers and finance lease, advances, security deposits [member] Member nvs:LongtermLoansAndReceivablesFromCustomersAndFinanceLeaseAdvancesSecurityDepositsMember
2936 Associated companies at fair value through profit and loss [member] Member nvs:AssociatedCompaniesAtFairValueThroughProfitAndLossMember
2937 Derivative financial instruments [member] Member nvs:DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsMember
2938 Retrospective application and retrospective restatement [axis] Axis ifrs-full:RetrospectiveApplicationAndRetrospectiveRestatementAxis
2939 Currently stated [member] Member ifrs-full:RestatedMember
2940 Previously stated [member] Member ifrs-full:PreviouslyStatedMember
2941 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy and corrections of prior period errors [member] Member ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyAndCorrectionsOfPriorPeriodErrorsMember
2942 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialEffectOfChangesInAccountingPolicyMember
2943 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy required by IFRSs [member] Member ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyRequiredByIFRSsMember
2944 Adjustment, IFRS 9 Member nvs:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyIFRS9Member
2945 Components of equity [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ComponentsOfEquityAxis
2946 Equity [member] Member ifrs-full:EquityMember
2947 Equity attributable to owners of parent [member] Member ifrs-full:EquityAttributableToOwnersOfParentMember
2948 Retained earnings Member ifrs-full:RetainedEarningsMember
2949 OCI reserves Member nvs:OCIReservesMember
2950 Disclosure of financial assets [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFinancialAssetsLineItems
2951 Financial assets Concept (Monetary) As Of Debit ifrs-full:FinancialAssets
2952 2402903 - Disclosure - Impacts of adoption of new IFRS standards (Details 4) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureImpactOfAdaptionOfNewIfrsStandardsDetails4Q
2953 Disclosure of financial liabilities [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFinancialLiabilitiesTable
2954 Classes of financial liabilities [axis] Axis ifrs-full:ClassesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis
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2957 Financial liabilities at fair value, class [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialLiabilitiesAtFairValueMember
2958 Categories of financial liabilities [axis] Axis ifrs-full:CategoriesOfFinancialLiabilitiesAxis
2959 Financial liabilities, category [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialLiabilitiesCategoryMember
2960 Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, category [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialLiabilitiesAtFairValueThroughProfitOrLossCategoryMember
2961 Financial liabilities at amortised cost, category [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialLiabilitiesAtAmortisedCostCategoryMember
2962 Retrospective application and retrospective restatement [axis] Axis ifrs-full:RetrospectiveApplicationAndRetrospectiveRestatementAxis
2963 Currently stated [member] Member ifrs-full:RestatedMember
2964 Previously stated [member] Member ifrs-full:PreviouslyStatedMember
2965 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy and corrections of prior period errors [member] Member ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyAndCorrectionsOfPriorPeriodErrorsMember
2966 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy [member] Member ifrs-full:FinancialEffectOfChangesInAccountingPolicyMember
2967 Increase (decrease) due to changes in accounting policy required by IFRSs [member] Member ifrs-full:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyRequiredByIFRSsMember
2968 Adjustment, IFRS 9 Member nvs:IncreaseDecreaseDueToChangesInAccountingPolicyIFRS9Member
2969 Disclosure of financial liabilities [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfFinancialLiabilitiesLineItems
2970 Financial liabilities Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit ifrs-full:FinancialLiabilities
2971 2402904 - Disclosure - Impacts of adoption of new IFRS standards (Details 5) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureImpactOfAdaptionOfNewIfrsStandardsDetails5Q
2972 Implied Table Table

*

*

 implied:Table
2973 Impacts of adoption of new IFRS standards [abstract] Abstract nvs:ImpactsOfAdoptionOfNewIFRSStandardsAbstract
2974 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
2975 Increase to retained earnings arising from first application of IFRS 9 Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IncreaseToRetainedEarningsArisingFromFirstApplicationOfIFRS9
2976 Increase to retained earnings arising from first application of IFRS 9 equity securities Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IncreaseToRetainedEarningsArisingFromFirstApplicationOfIFRS9EquitySecurities
2977 Increase to retained earnings arising from first application of IFRS 9 fund investments Concept (Monetary) For Period Credit nvs:IncreaseToRetainedEarningsArisingFromFirstApplicationOfIFRS9FundInvestments
2978 2403000 - Disclosure - Events subsequent to the December 31 consolidated balance sheet date (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails
2979 Statement [table] Table

*

*

 nvs:StatementTable
2980 Subsequent Event Typ [axis] Axis nvs:SubsequentEventTypAxis
2981 Subsequent Event Type [member] Member nvs:SubsequentEventTypeMember
2982 Subsequent Event [member] Member nvs:SubsequentEventMember
2983 Statement [line items] LineItems nvs:StatementLineItems
2984 Dividends proposed Concept (Monetary) For Period ifrs-full:DividendsProposedOrDeclaredBeforeFinancialStatementsAuthorisedForIssueButNotRecognisedAsDistributionToOwners
2985 Dividends proposed, cash per share Concept (Share) For Period ifrs-full:DividendsProposedOrDeclaredBeforeFinancialStatementsAuthorisedForIssueButNotRecognisedAsDistributionToOwnersPerShare
2986 2403100 - Disclosure - Principal Group subsidiaries and associated companies (Details) Network

*

*

 http://novartis.com/20181231/role/DisclosurePrincipalGroupSubsidiariesAndAssociatedCompaniesDetails
2987 Disclosure of subsidiaries [table] Table

*

*

 ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesTable
2988 Subsidiaries [axis] Axis ifrs-full:SignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesAxis
2989 Entity's total for subsidiaries [member] Member ifrs-full:EntitysTotalForSubsidiariesMember
2990 Subsidiaries [member] Member ifrs-full:SubsidiariesMember
2991 Legal Entity [Axis] Axis dei:LegalEntityAxis
2992 Entity [Domain] Member dei:EntityDomain
2993 Societe par actions SANDOZ, Algiers [member] Member nvs:SocieteParActionsSANDOZAlgiersMember
2994 Novartis Argentina S.A., Buenos Aires [member] Member nvs:NovartisArgentinaS.A.BuenosAiresMember
2995 Alcon Laboratorios S.A., Buenos Aires [member] Member nvs:AlconLaboratoriosS.A.BuenosAiresMember
2996 Novartis Australia Pty Ltd, Macquarie Park, NSW [member] Member nvs:NovartisAustraliaPtyLtdMacquarieParkNSWMember
2997 Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Ltd, Macquarie Park, NSW [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaceuticalsAustraliaPtyLtdMacquarieParkNSWMember
2998 Sandoz Pty Ltd, Macquarie Park, NSW [member] Member nvs:SandozPtyLtdMacquarieParkNSWMember
2999 Alcon Laboratories (Australia) Pty Ltd, Macquarie Park, NSW [member] Member nvs:AlconLaboratoriesAustraliaPtyLtdMacquarieParkNSWMember
3000 Novartis Austria GmbH, Vienna [member] Member nvs:NovartisAustriaGmbHViennaMember
3001 Novartis Pharma GmbH, Vienna [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaGmbHViennaMember
3002 Sandoz GmbH, Kundl [member] Member nvs:SandozGmbHViennaMember
3003 Alcon Ophthalmika GmbH, Vienna [member] Member nvs:AlconOphthalmikaGmbHViennaMember
3004 EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H Nfg. KG, Unterach am Attersee [member] Member nvs:EBEWEPharmaGes.m.b.HNfg.KGViennaMember
3005 Novartis (Bangladesh) Limited, Gazipur [member] Member nvs:NovartisBangladeshLimitedGazipurMember
3006 Novartis Pharma NV, Vilvoorde [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaNVVilvoordeMember
3007 Sandoz NV, Vilvoorde [member] Member nvs:SandozNVVilvoordeMember
3008 Alcon - Couvreur NV, Puurs [member] Member nvs:AlconCouvreurNVPuursMember
3009 Alcon Laboratories Belgium BVBA, Puurs [member] Member nvs:AlconLaboratoriesBelgiumBVBAPuursMember
3010 Alcon NV, Vilvoorde [member] Member nvs:AlconNVVilvoordeMember
3011 Novartis Investment Ltd., Hamilton [member] Member nvs:NovartisInvestmentLtd.HamiltonMember
3012 Novartis Securities Investment Ltd., Hamilton [member] Member nvs:NovartisSecuritiesInvestmentLtd.HamiltonMember
3013 Novartis Finance Services Ltd., Hamilton [member] Member nvs:NovartisFinanceServicesLtd.HamiltonMember
3014 Novartis B2 Ltd., Hamilton [member] Member nvs:NovartisB2Ltd.HamiltonMember
3015 Novartis B3 Ltd., Hamilton [member] Member nvs:NovartisB3Ltd.HamiltonMember
3016 Triangle International Reinsurance Limited, Hamilton [member] Member nvs:TriangleInternationalReinsuranceLimitedHamiltonMember
3017 Trinity River Insurance Co Ltd., Hamilton [member] Member nvs:TrinityRiverInsuranceCoLtd.HamiltonMember
3018 Novartis Biociencias S.A., Sao Paulo [member] Member nvs:NovartisBiocienciasS.A.SaoPauloMember
3019 Sandoz do Brasil Industria Farmaceutica Ltda., Cambe, PR [member] Member nvs:SandozDoBrasilIndustriaFarmaceuticaLtda.CambeMember
3020 Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., Dorval, Quebec [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaceuticalsCanadaInc.DorvalQuebecMember
3021 Sandoz Canada Inc., Boucherville, Quebec [member] Member nvs:SandozCanadaInc.BouchervilleQuebecMember
3022 Alcon Canada Inc., Mississauga, Ontario [member] Member nvs:AlconCanadaInc.MississaugaOntarioMember
3023 CIBA Vision Canada Inc., Mississauga, Ontario [member] Member nvs:CIBAVisionCanadaInc.MississaugaOntarioMember
3024 Novartis Chile S.A., Santiago de Chile [member] Member nvs:NovartisChileS.A.SantiagoDeChileMember
3025 Alcon Laboratorios Chile Ltd., Santiago de Chile [member] Member nvs:AlconLaboratoriosChileLtd.SantiagoDeChileMember
3026 Beijing Novartis Pharma Co., Ltd., Beijing [member] Member nvs:BeijingNovartisPharmaCo.Ltd.BeijingMember
3027 Novartis Pharmaceuticals (HK) Limited, Hong Kong [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaceuticalsHKLimitedHongKongMember
3028 China Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Co., Ltd., Shanghai [member] Member nvs:ChinaNovartisInstitutesForBioMedicalResearchCo.Ltd.ShanghaiMember
3029 Suzhou Novartis Pharma Technology Co., Ltd., Changshu [member] Member nvs:SuzhouNovartisPharmaTechnologyCo.Ltd.ChangshuMember
3030 Shanghai Novartis Trading Ltd., Shanghai [member] Member nvs:ShanghaiNovartisTradingLtd.ShanghaiMember
3031 Sandoz (China) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhongshan [member] Member nvs:SandozChinaPharmaceuticalCo.Ltd.ZhongshanMember
3032 Alcon Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong [member] Member nvs:AlconHongKongLimitedHongKongMember
3033 Alcon (China) Ophthalmic Product Co., Ltd., Beijing [member] Member nvs:AlconChinaOphthalmicProductCo.Ltd.BeijingMember
3034 Novartis de Colombia S.A., Santafe de Bogota [member] Member nvs:NovartisDeColombiaS.A.SantafeDeBobotaMember
3035 Laboratorios Alcon de Colombia S.A., Santafe de Bogota [member] Member nvs:LaboratoriosAlconDeColombiaS.A.SantafeDeBobotaMember
3036 Sandoz d.o.o. farmaceutska industrija, Zagreb [member] Member nvs:SandozD.o.o.FarmaceutskaIndustrijaZagrebMember
3037 Novartis s.r.o., Prague [member] Member nvs:NovartisS.r.o.PragueMember
3038 Sandoz s.r.o., Prague [member] Member nvs:SandozS.r.o.PragueMember
3039 Alcon Pharmaceuticals (Czech Republic) s.r.o., Prague [member] Member nvs:AlconPharmaceuticalsCzechRepublicS.r.o.PragueMember
3040 Novartis Healthcare A/S, Copenhagen [member] Member nvs:NovartisHealthcareASCopenhagenMember
3041 Sandoz A/S, Copenhagen [member] Member nvs:SandozASCopenhagenMember
3042 Alcon Nordic A/S, Copenhagen [member] Member nvs:AlconNordicASCopenhagenMember
3043 Novartis Ecuador S.A., Quito [member] Member nvs:NovartisEcuadorS.A.QuitoMember
3044 Novartis Pharma S.A.E., Cairo [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaS.A.E.CairoMember
3045 Sandoz Egypt Pharma S.A.E., New Cairo City [member] Member nvs:SandozEgyptPharmaS.A.E.NewCairoCityMember
3046 Novartis Finland Oy, Espoo [member] Member nvs:NovartisFinlandOyEspooMember
3047 Novartis Groupe France S.A., Rueil-Malmaison [member] Member nvs:NovartisGroupeFranceS.A.RueilMalmaisonMember
3048 Novartis Pharma S.A.S., Rueil-Malmaison [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaS.A.S.RueilMalmaisonMember
3049 Advanced Accelerator Applications S.A., Saint Genis Pouilly [member] Member nvs:AdvancedAcceleratorApplicationsS.A.SaintGenisPouillyMember
3050 Sandoz S.A.S., Levallois-Perret [member] Member nvs:SandozS.A.S.LevalloisPerretMember
3051 Laboratoires Alcon S.A.S., Rueil-Malmaison [member] Member nvs:LaboratoiresAlconS.A.S.RueilMalmaisonMember
3052 Novartis Deutschland GmbH, Wehr [member] Member nvs:NovartisDeutschlandGmbHWehrMember
3053 Novartis Pharma GmbH, Nuremberg [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaGmbHNurembergMember
3054 Novartis Pharma Produktions GmbH, Wehr [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaProduktionsGmbHWehrMember
3055 Alcon Pharma GmbH, Freiburg im Breisgau [member] Member nvs:AlconPharmaGmbHFreiburgImBreisgauMember
3056 WaveLight GmbH, Erlangen [member] Member nvs:WaveLightGmbHErlangenMember
3057 CIBA Vision GmbH, Grosswallstadt [member] Member nvs:CIBAVisionGmbHGrosswallstadtMember
3058 Sandoz International GmbH, Holzkirchen [member] Member nvs:SandozInternationalGmbHHolzkirchenMember
3059 1 A Pharma GmbH, Oberhaching [member] Member nvs:A1APharmaGmbHOberhachingMember
3060 Salutas Pharma GmbH, Barleben [member] Member nvs:SalutasPharmaGmbHBarlebenMember
3061 HEXAL AG, Holzkirchen [member] Member nvs:HEXALAGHolzkirchenMember
3062 Aeropharm GmbH, Rudolstadt [member] Member nvs:AeropharmGmbHRudolstadtMember
3063 Novartis Business Services GmbH, Wehr [member] Member nvs:NovartisBusinessServicesGmbHWehrMember
3064 Novista Insurance Limited, Gibraltar City [member] Member nvs:NovistaInsuranceLimitedGibraltarCityMember
3065 Novartis (Hellas) S.A.C.I., Metamorphosis/Athens [member] Member nvs:NovartisHellasS.A.C.I.MetamorphosisAthensMember
3066 Alcon Laboratories Hellas Commercial and Industrial S.A., Maroussi, Athens [member] Member nvs:AlconLaboratoriesHellasCommercialAndIndustrialS.A.MaroussiAthensMember
3067 Novartis Hungary Healthcare Limited Liability Company, Budapest [member] Member nvs:NovartisHungaryHealthcareLimitedLiabilityCompanyBudapestMember
3068 Sandoz Hungary Limited Liability Company, Budapest [member] Member nvs:SandozHungaryLimitedLiabilityCompanyBudapestMember
3069 Novartis India Limited, Mumbai [member] Member nvs:NovartisIndiaLimitedMumbaiMember
3070 Novartis Healthcare Private Limited, Mumbai [member] Member nvs:NovartisHealthcarePrivateLimitedMumbaiMember
3071 Sandoz Private Limited, Mumbai [member] Member nvs:SandozPrivateLimitedMumbaiMember
3072 Alcon Laboratories (India) Private Limited, Bangalore [member] Member nvs:AlconLaboratoriesIndiaPrivateLimitedBangaloreMember
3073 PT. Novartis Indonesia, Jakarta [member] Member nvs:PT.NovartisIndonesiaJakartaMember
3074 PT. CIBA Vision Batam, Batam [member] Member nvs:PT.CIBAVisionBatamBatamMember
3075 Novartis Ireland Limited, Dublin [member] Member nvs:NovartisIrelandLimitedDublinMember
3076 Novartis Ringaskiddy Limited, Ringaskiddy, County Cork [member] Member nvs:NovartisRingaskiddyLimitedRingaskiddyCountyCorkMember
3077 Alcon Laboratories Ireland Limited, Cork City [member] Member nvs:AlconLaboratoriesIrelandLimitedCorkCityMember
3078 Novartis Israel Ltd., Petach Tikva [member] Member nvs:NovartisIsraelLtd.PetachTikvaMember
3079 Optonol Ltd., Neve-Ilan [member] Member nvs:OptonolLtd.NeveIlanMember
3080 Novartis Farma S.p.A., Origgio [member] Member nvs:NovartisFarmaS.p.A.OriggioMember
3081 Sandoz S.p.A., Origgio [member] Member nvs:SandozS.p.A.OriggioMember
3082 Sandoz Industrial Products S.p.A., Rovereto [member] Member nvs:SandozIndustrialProductsS.p.A.RoveretoMember
3083 Alcon Italia S.p.A., Milan [member] Member nvs:AlconItaliaS.p.A.MilanMember
3084 Novartis Holding Japan K.K., Tokyo [member] Member nvs:NovartisHoldingJapanK.K.TokyoMember
3085 Novartis Pharma K.K., Tokyo [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaK.K.TokyoMember
3086 Ciba-Geigy Japan Limited, Tokyo [member] Member nvs:CibaGeigyJapanLimitedTokyoMember
3087 Sandoz K.K., Tokyo [member] Member nvs:SandozK.K.TokyoMember
3088 Alcon Japan Ltd., Tokyo [member] Member nvs:AlconJapanLtd.TokyoMember
3089 Novartis Baltics SIA, Riga [member] Member nvs:NovartisBalticsSIARigaMember
3090 Novartis Investments S.a r.l., Luxembourg City [member] Member nvs:NovartisInvestmentsS.aR.l.LuxembourgCityMember
3091 Novartis Finance S.A., Luxembourg City [member] Member nvs:NovartisFinanceS.A.LuxembourgCityMember
3092 Novartis Corporation (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Kuala Lumpur [member] Member nvs:NovartisCorporationMalaysiaSdn.Bhd.KualaLumpurMember
3093 Alcon Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Petaling Jaya [member] Member nvs:AlconLaboratoriesMalaysiaSdn.Bhd.PetalingJayaMember
3094 CIBA Vision Johor Sdn. Bhd., Kuala Lumpur [member] Member nvs:CIBAVisionJohorSdn.Bhd.KualaLumpurMember
3095 Novartis Farmaceutica, S.A. de C.V., Mexico City [member] Member nvs:NovartisFarmaceuticaS.A.DeC.V.MexicoCityMember
3096 Sandoz, S.A. de C.V., Mexico City [member] Member nvs:SandozS.A.DeC.V.MexicoCityMember
3097 Alcon Laboratorios, S.A. de C.V., Mexico City [member] Member nvs:AlconLaboratoriosS.A.DeC.V.MexicoCityMember
3098 Novartis Pharma Maroc SA, Casablanca [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaMarocSACasablancaMember
3099 Novartis Netherlands B.V., Arnhem [member] Member nvs:NovartisNetherlandsB.V.ArnhemMember
3100 Novartis Pharma B.V., Arnhem [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaB.V.ArnhemMember
3101 Sandoz B.V., Almere [member] Member nvs:SandozB.V.AlmereMember
3102 Alcon Nederland B.V., Arnhem [member] Member nvs:AlconNederlandB.V.ArnhemMember
3103 Novartis New Zealand Ltd, Auckland [member] Member nvs:NovartisNewZealandLtdAucklandMember
3104 Novartis Norge AS, Oslo [member] Member nvs:NovartisNorgeASOsloMember
3105 Novartis Pharma (Pakistan) Limited, Karachi [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaPakistanLimitedKarachiMember
3106 Novartis Pharma (Logistics), Inc., Panama City [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaLogisticsInc.PanamaCityMember
3107 Alcon Centroamerica S.A., Panama City [member] Member nvs:AlconCentroamericaS.A.PanamaCityMember
3108 Novartis Biosciences Peru S.A., Lima [member] Member nvs:NovartisBiosciencesPeruS.A.LimaMember
3109 Novartis Healthcare Philippines, Inc., Manila [member] Member nvs:NovartisHealthcarePhilippinesInc.ManilaMember
3110 Sandoz Philippines Corporation, Manila [member] Member nvs:SandozPhilippinesCorporationManilaMember
3111 Novartis Poland Sp. z o.o., Warsaw [member] Member nvs:NovartisPolandSp.ZO.o.WarsawMember
3112 Sandoz Polska Sp. z o.o., Warsaw [member] Member nvs:SandozPolskaSp.ZO.o.WarsawMember
3113 Lek S.A., Strykow [member] Member nvs:LekS.A.StrykowMember
3114 Alcon Polska Sp. z o.o., Warsaw [member] Member nvs:AlconPolskaSp.ZO.o.WarsawMember
3115 Novartis Portugal SGPS Lda., Porto Salvo [member] Member nvs:NovartisPortugalSGPSLda.PortoSalvoMember
3116 Novartis Farma - Produtos Farmaceuticos S.A., Porto Salvo [member] Member nvs:NovartisFarmaProdutosFarmaceuticosS.A.PortoSalvoMember
3117 Sandoz Farmaceutica Lda., Porto Salvo [member] Member nvs:SandozFarmaceuticaLda.PortoSalvoMember
3118 Alcon Portugal-Produtos e Equipamentos Oftalmologicos Lda., Porto Salvo [member] Member nvs:AlconPortugalProdutosEEquipamentosOftalmologicosLda.PortoSalvoMember
3119 Novartis Pharma Services Romania S.R.L., Bucharest [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaServicesRomaniaS.R.L.BucharestMember
3120 Sandoz S.R.L., Targu-Mures [member] Member nvs:SandozS.R.L.TarguMuresMember
3121 Alcon Romania S.R.L., Bucharest [member] Member nvs:AlconRomaniaS.R.L.BucharestMember
3122 Novartis Pharma LLC, Moscow [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaLLCMoscowMember
3123 Novartis Neva LLC, St. Petersburg [member] Member nvs:NovartisNevaLLCSt.PetersburgMember
3124 ZAO Sandoz, Moscow [member] Member nvs:ZAOSandozMoscowMember
3125 Alcon Farmacevtika LLC, Moscow [member] Member nvs:AlconFarmacevtikaLLCMoscowMember
3126 Saudi Pharmaceutical Distribution Co. Ltd., Riyadh [member] Member nvs:SaudiPharmaceuticalDistributionCo.Ltd.RiyadhMember
3127 Novartis (Singapore) Pte Ltd., Singapore [member] Member nvs:NovartisSingaporePteLtd.SingaporeMember
3128 Novartis Singapore Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Pte Ltd, Singapore [member] Member nvs:NovartisSingaporePharmaceuticalManufacturingPteLtdSingaporeMember
3129 Novartis Asia Pacific Pharmaceuticals Pte Ltd, Singapore [member] Member nvs:NovartisAsiaPacificPharmaceuticalsPteLtdSingaporeMember
3130 Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases Pte Ltd, Singapore [member] Member nvs:NovartisInstituteForTropicalDiseasesPteLtdSingaporeMember
3131 Alcon Pte Ltd, Singapore [member] Member nvs:AlconPteLtdSingaporeMember
3132 Alcon Singapore Manufacturing Pte. Ltd., Singapore [member] Member nvs:AlconSingaporeManufacturingPteLtdSingaporeMember
3133 CIBA Vision Asian Manufacturing and Logistics Pte Ltd., Singapore [member] Member nvs:CIBAVisionAsianManufacturingAndLogisticsPteLtd.SingaporeMember
3134 Novartis Slovakia s.r.o., Bratislava [member] Member nvs:NovartisSlovakiaS.r.o.BratislavaMember
3135 Lek Pharmaceuticals d.d., Ljubjana [member] Member nvs:LekPharmaceuticalsD.d.LjubjanaMember
3136 Sandoz Pharmaceuticals d.d., Ljubjana [member] Member nvs:SandozPharmaceuticalsD.d.LjubjanaMember
3137 Novartis South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Midrand [member] Member nvs:NovartisSouthAfricaPtyLtdMidrandMember
3138 Sandoz South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Kempton Park [member] Member nvs:SandozSouthAfricaPtyLtdKemptonParkMember
3139 Alcon Laboratories (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd., Midrand [member] Member nvs:AlconLaboratoriesSouthAfricaPtyLtd.MidrandMember
3140 Novartis Korea Ltd., Seoul [member] Member nvs:NovartisKoreaLtd.SeoulMember
3141 Sandoz Korea Ltd., Seoul [member] Member nvs:SandozKoreaLtd.SeoulMember
3142 Alcon Korea Ltd., Seoul [member] Member nvs:AlconKoreaLtd.SeoulMember
3143 Novartis Farmaceutica, S.A., Barcelona [member] Member nvs:NovartisFarmaceuticaS.A.BarcelonaMember
3144 Sandoz Farmaceutica S.A., Madrid [member] Member nvs:SandozFarmaceuticaS.A.MadridMember
3145 Sandoz Industrial Products S.A., Barcelona [member] Member nvs:SandozIndustrialProductsS.A.BarcelonaMember
3146 Alcon Healthcare, S.A., Barcelona [member] Member nvs:AlconHealthcareS.A.BarcelonaMember
3147 Alcon Cusi S.A., Barcelona [member] Member nvs:AlconCusiS.A.BarcelonaMember
3148 Abadia Retuerta S.A., Sardon de Duero/Valladolid [member] Member nvs:AbadiaRetuertaS.A.SardonDeDueroValladolidMember
3149 Novartis Sverige AB, Stockholm [member] Member nvs:NovartisSverigeABStockholmMember
3150 Novartis Overseas Investments AG, Basel [member] Member nvs:NovartisOverseasInvestmentsAGBaselMember
3151 Japat AG, Basel [member] Member nvs:JapatAGBaselMember
3152 Novartis International AG, Basel [member] Member nvs:NovartisInternationalAGBaselMember
3153 Novartis Holding AG, Basel [member] Member nvs:NovartisHoldingAGBaselMember
3154 Novartis International Pharmaceutical Investment AG, Basel [member] Member nvs:NovartisInternationalPharmaceuticalInvestmentAGBaselMember
3155 Novartis Ophthalmics AG, Fribourg [member] Member nvs:NovartisOphthalmicsAGFribourgMember
3156 Novartis Bioventures AG, Basel [member] Member nvs:NovartisBioventuresAGBaselMember
3157 Novartis Forschungsstiftung, Basel [member] Member nvs:NovartisForschungsstiftungBaselMember
3158 Novartis Stiftung fuer Kaderausbildung, Basel [member] Member nvs:NovartisStiftungFuerKaderausbildungBaselMember
3159 Novartis Mitarbeiterbeteiligungsstiftung, Basel [member] Member nvs:NovartisMitarbeiterbeteiligungsstiftungBaselMember
3160 Novartis Stiftung fuer Mensch und Umwelt, Basel [member] Member nvs:NovartisStiftungFuerMenschUndUmweltBaselMember
3161 Stiftung der Novartis AG fuer Erziehung, Ausbildung und Bildung, Basel [member] Member nvs:StiftungDerNovartisAGFuerErziehungAusbildungUndBildungBaselMember
3162 Novartis Pharma AG, Basel [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaAGBaselMember
3163 Novartis International Pharmaceutical AG, Basel [member] Member nvs:NovartisInternationalPharmaceuticalAGBaselMember
3164 Novartis Pharma Services AG, Basel [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaServicesAGBaselMember
3165 Novartis Pharma Schweizerhalle AG, Muttenz [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaSchweizerhalleAGMuttenzMember
3166 Novartis Pharma Stein AG, Stein [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaSteinAGSteinMember
3167 Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG, Risch [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaSchweizAGRischMember
3168 Advanced Accelerator Applications International SA, Geneve [member] Member nvs:AdvancedAcceleratorApplicationsInternationalSAGeneveMember
3169 Advanced Accelerator Applications Switzerland SA, Geneve [member] Member nvs:AdvancedAcceleratorApplicationsSwitzerlandSAGeneveMember
3170 Sandoz AG, Basel [member] Member nvs:SandozAGBaselMember
3171 Sandoz Pharmaceuticals AG, Risch [member] Member nvs:SandozPharmaceuticalsAGRischMember
3172 Alcon AG, Fribourg [member] Member nvs:AlconAGFribourgMember
3173 Alcon Management SA, Geneva [member] Member nvs:AlconManagementSAGenevaMember
3174 Alcon Switzerland SA, Risch [member] Member nvs:AlconSwitzerlandSARischMember
3175 Alcon Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Fribourg [member] Member nvs:AlconPharmaceuticalsLtd.FribourgMember
3176 Roche Holding AG, Basel [member] Member nvs:RocheHoldingAGBaselMember
3177 Novartis (Taiwan) Co., Ltd., Taipei [member] Member nvs:NovartisTaiwanCo.Ltd.TaipeiMember
3178 Novartis (Thailand) Limited, Bangkok [member] Member nvs:NovartisThailandLimitedBangkokMember
3179 Alcon Laboratories (Thailand) Limited, Bangkok [member] Member nvs:AlconLaboratoriesThailandLimitedBangkokMember
3180 Novartis Saglik, Gida ve Tarim Urunleri Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., Istanbul [member] Member nvs:NovartisSaglikGidaVeTarimUrunleriSanayiVeTicaretA.S.IstanbulMember
3181 Farmanova Saglik Hizmetleri Ltd. Sti., Istanbul [member] Member nvs:FarmanovaSaglikHizmetleriLtd.Sti.IstanbulMember
3182 Sandoz Syntek Ilac Hammaddeleri Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., Istanbul [member] Member nvs:SandozSyntekIlacHammaddeleriSanayiVeTicaretA.S.TuzlaIstanbulMember
3183 Sandoz Ilac Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., Istanbul [member] Member nvs:SandozIlacSanayiVeTicaretA.S.IstanbulMember
3184 Sandoz Grup Saglik Urunleri Ilaclari Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., Gebze - Kocaeli [member] Member nvs:SandozGrupSaglikUrunleriIlaclariSanayiVeTicaretA.S.GebzeKocaeliMember
3185 Alcon Laboratuvarlari Ticaret A.S., Istanbul [member] Member nvs:AlconLaboratuvarlariTicaretA.S.IstanbulMember
3186 Sandoz Ukraine LLC, Kiev [member] Member nvs:SandozUkraineLLCKievMember
3187 Novartis Middle East FZE, Dubai [member] Member nvs:NovartisMiddleEastFZEDubaiMember
3188 Novartis UK Limited, Frimley/Camberley [member] Member nvs:NovartisUKLimitedFrimleyCamberleyMember
3189 Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, Frimley/Camberley [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaceuticalsUKLimitedFrimleyCamberleyMember
3190 Novartis Grimsby Limited, Frimley/Camberley [member] Member nvs:NovartisGrimsbyLimitedFrimleyCamberleyMember
3191 Vivacta Limited, Frimley/Camberley, Surrey [member] Member nvs:VivactaLimitedFrimleyCamberleySurreyMember
3192 Ziarco Group Limited, Frimley/Camberley [member] Member nvs:ZiarcoGroupLimitedFrimleyCamberleySurreyMember
3193 Sandoz Limited, Frimley/Camberley [member] Member nvs:SandozLimitedFrimleyCamberleyMember
3194 Alcon Eye Care UK Limited, Frimley/Camberley [member] Member nvs:AlconEyeCareUKLimitedFrimleyCamberleyMember
3195 Glaxosmithkline Consumer Healthcare Holdings Limited, Brentford, Middlesex [member] Member nvs:GlaxosmithklineConsumerHealthcareHoldingsLimitedBrentfordMiddlesexMember
3196 Novartis Corporation, East Hanover, NJ [member] Member nvs:NovartisCorporationEastHanoverNYMember
3197 Novartis Finance Corporation, New York, NY [member] Member nvs:NovartisFinanceCorporationNewYorkNYMember
3198 Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, NY [member] Member nvs:NovartisCapitalCorporationNewYorkNYMember
3199 Novartis Services, Inc., East Hanover, NJ [member] Member nvs:NovartisServicesInc.EastHanoverNYMember
3200 Novartis US Foundation, New York, NY [member] Member nvs:NovartisUSFoundationNewYorkNYMember
3201 Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ [member] Member nvs:NovartisPharmaceuticalsCorporationEastHanoverNYMember
3202 Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Inc., Cambridge, MA [member] Member nvs:NovartisInstitutesForBioMedicalResearchInc.CambridgeMAMember
3203 Corthera, Inc., San Mateo, CA [member] Member nvs:CortheraInc.SanMateoCAMember
3204 CoStim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA [member] Member nvs:CoStimPharmaceuticalsInc.CambridgeMAMember
3205 Encore Vision, Inc., New York, NY [member] Member nvs:EncoreVisionInc.NewYorkNYMember
3206 Endocyte, Inc., Lafayette, IN [member] Member nvs:EndocyteInc.LafayetteINMember
3207 Navigate BioPharma Services, Inc., Carlsbad, CA [member] Member nvs:NavigateBioPharmaServicesInc.CarlsbadCAMember
3208 Reprixys Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ [member] Member nvs:ReprixysPharmaceuticalsCorporationEastHanoverNJMember
3209 Spinifex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Wilmington, NC [member] Member nvs:SpinifexPharmaceuticalsInc.WilmingtonNCMember
3210 Novartis Institute for Functional Genomics, Inc., San Diego, CA [member] Member nvs:NovartisInstituteForFunctionalGenomicsInc.SanDiegoCAMember
3211 Advanced Accelerator Applications USA, Inc., New York, NY [member] Member nvs:AdvancedAcceleratorApplicationsUSAInc.NewYorkNYMember
3212 AveXis, Inc., Bannockburn, IL [member] Member nvs:AveXisInc.BannockburnILMember
3213 Sandoz Inc., Princeton, NJ [member] Member nvs:SandozInc.PrincetonNJMember
3214 Oriel Therapeutics, Inc., Durham, NC [member] Member nvs:OrielTherapeuticsInc.DurhamNCMember
3215 Fougera Pharmaceuticals Inc., Melville, NY [member] Member nvs:FougeraPharmaceuticalsInc.MelvilleNYMember
3216 Eon Labs, Inc., Princeton, NJ [member] Member nvs:EonLabsInc.PrincetonNJMember
3217 Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX [member] Member nvs:AlconLaboratoriesInc.FortWorthTXMember
3218 Alcon Refractivehorizons, LLC, Fort Worth, TX [member] Member nvs:AlconRefractivehorizonsLLCFortWorthTXMember
3219 Alcon Research, Ltd., Fort Worth, TX [member] Member nvs:AlconResearchLtd.FortWorthTXMember
3220 Alcon Lensx, Inc., Aliso Viejo, CA [member] Member nvs:AlconLensxInc.AlisoViejoCAMember
3221 Alcon Laboratories Holding Corporation, Fort Worth, TX [member] Member nvs:AlconLaboratoriesHoldingCorporationFortWorthTXMember
3222 WaveLight, Inc., Sterling, VA [member] Member nvs:WaveLightInc.SterlingVAMember
3223 Tear Film Innovations, Inc., Fort Worth, TX [member] Member nvs:TearFilmInnovationsInc.FortWorthTXMember
3224 TrueVision Systems, Inc., Fort Worth, TX [member] Member nvs:TrueVisionSystemsInc.FortWorthTXMember
3225 CIBA Vision Corporation LLC, Duluth, GA [member] Member nvs:CIBAVisionCorporationLLCDuluthGAMember
3226 Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc., Cambridge, MA [member] Member nvs:NovartisVaccinesAndDiagnosticsInc.CambridgeMAMember
3227 ClarVista Medical, Inc., Aliso Viejo, CA [member] Member nvs:ClarVistaMedicalInc.AlisoViejoCAMember
3228 Transcend Medical, Inc., Lake Forest, IL [member] Member nvs:TranscendMedicalInc.LakeForestILMember
3229 Novartis de Venezuela, S.A., Caracas [member] Member nvs:NovartisDeVenezuelaS.A.CaracasMember
3230 Alcon Pharmaceutical, C.A., Caracas [member] Member nvs:AlconPharmaceuticalC.A.CaracasMember
3231 Advanced Accelerator Applications (AAA) [member] Member nvs:AdvancedAcceleratorApplicationsAAAMember
3232 Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items] LineItems ifrs-full:DisclosureOfSignificantInvestmentsInSubsidiariesLineItems
3233 Name of subsidiary Concept (Text/String) For Period ifrs-full:NameOfSubsidiary
3234 Principal place of business of subsidiary Concept (Text/String) For Period ifrs-full:PrincipalPlaceOfBusinessOfSubsidiary
3235 Country of incorporation of subsidiary Concept (Text/String) For Period ifrs-full:CountryOfIncorporationOrResidenceOfSubsidiary
3236 Share/paid-in capital Concept (Monetary) As Of Credit nvs:SharePaidinCapital
3237 Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary Concept (Percent) For Period ifrs-full:ProportionOfOwnershipInterestInSubsidiary
3238 Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary Concept (Percent) For Period ifrs-full:ProportionOfVotingPowerHeldInSubsidiary
3239 Principal group companies materiality of assets or sales to third parties Concept (Monetary) For Period nvs:PrincipalGroupCompaniesMaterialityOfAssetsOrSalesToThirdParties

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