ABB (ABBNY) 20-F 26 Feb 20 2019 FY Annual report (foreign) Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019shares
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Document Type	20-F
Document Registration Statement	false
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Document Shell Company Report	false
Entity File Number	001-16429
Entity Registrant Name	ABB Ltd
Entity Incorporation State Country Code	V8
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	2,133,501,111
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Document Accounting Standard	U.S. GAAP
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001091587
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Entity Address Address Line 1	Affolternstrasse 44
Entity Address City Or Town	Zurich
Entity Address Postal Zip Code	CH-8050
Entity Address Country	CH
American Depositary Shares
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	American Depositary Shares,
Trading Symbol	ABB
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Registered Shares
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Security 12b Title	Registered Shares, par value CHF 0.12
No Trading Symbol Flag	true
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Business Contact
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Entity Address Address Line 1	Affolternstrasse 44
Entity Address City Or Town	Zurich
Entity Address Postal Zip Code	CH-8050
Entity Address Country	CH
Contact Personnel Name	Richard A. Brown
Country Region	41
City Area Code	43
Local Phone Number	317-7111
Contact Personnel Fax Number	+41-43-317-7992

Consolidated Income Statements

Consolidated Income Statements - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Total revenues	$ 27,978	$ 27,662	$ 25,196
Total cost of sales	(19,072)	(19,118)	(17,350)
Gross profit	8,906	8,544	7,846
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(5,447)	(5,295)	(4,765)
Non-order related research and development expenses	(1,198)	(1,147)	(1,013)
Other income (expense), net	(323)	124	162
Income from operations	1,938	2,226	2,230
Interest and dividend income	67	72	73
Interest and other finance expense	(215)	(262)	(234)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit	72	83	33
Income from continuing operations before taxes	1,862	2,119	2,102
Provision for taxes	(772)	(544)	(583)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	1,090	1,575	1,519
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	438	723	846
Net income	1,528	2,298	2,365
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(89)	(125)	(152)
Net income attributable to ABB	1,439	2,173	2,213
Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	1,043	1,514	1,441
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	396	659	772
Net income	$ 1,439	$ 2,173	$ 2,213
Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	$ 0.49	$ 0.71	$ 0.67
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	0.19	0.31	0.36
Net income (in dollars per share)	0.67	1.02	1.04
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	0.49	0.71	0.67
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	0.19	0.31	0.36
Net income (in dollars per share)	$ 0.67	$ 1.02	$ 1.03
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) used to compute:
Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders (in shares)	2,133	2,132	2,138
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders (in shares)	2,135	2,139	2,148
Products
Total revenues	$ 22,554	$ 22,366	$ 20,438
Total cost of sales	(15,811)	(15,961)	(14,485)
Services and other
Total revenues	5,424	5,296	4,758
Total cost of sales	$ (3,261)	$ (3,157)	$ (2,865)

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 1,528	$ 2,298	$ 2,365
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(130)	(627)	912
Gain on liquidation of a foreign subsidiary		(31)
Changes attributable to divestments, net of tax	(2)	12	12
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(132)	(646)	924
Available-for-sale securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year	14	(4)	1
Reclassification adjustments for net losses included in net income	0	1	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	14	(3)	1
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Prior service (costs) credits arising during the year, net of tax	6	(7)	(16)
Net actuarial losses arising during the year	(220)	(352)	(139)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net income	(28)	(24)	6
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income	68	69	63
Net (gains) losses from pension settlements included in net income	32	19	9
Changes attributable to divestments	0	0	6
Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments	(142)	(295)	(71)
Cash flow hedge derivatives:
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year	20	(49)	38
Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income	(9)	21	(22)
Changes attributable to divestments	0	0	(3)
Unrealized gains (losses) of cash flow hedge derivatives	11	(28)	13
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(249)	(972)	867
Total comprehensive income, net of tax	1,279	1,326	3,232
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(83)	(110)	(177)
Total comprehensive income, net of tax, attributable to ABB	$ 1,196	$ 1,216	$ 3,055

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Cash and equivalents	$ 3,544	$ 3,445
Marketable securities and short-term investments	566	712
Receivables, net	6,434	6,386
Contract assets	1,025	1,082
Inventories, net	4,184	4,284
Prepaid expenses	191	176
Other current assets	674	616
Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations	9,840	5,164
Total current assets	26,458	21,865
Property, plant and equipment, net	3,972	4,133
Operating lease right-of-use assets	994	0
Goodwill	10,825	10,764
Other intangible assets, net	2,252	2,607
Prepaid pension and other employee benefits	133	83
Investments in equity-accounted companies	33	87
Deferred tax assets	910	1,006
Other non-current assets	531	469
Non-current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations	0	3,427
Total assets	46,108	44,441
Accounts payable, trade	4,353	4,424
Contract liabilities	1,719	1,707
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt	2,287	2,031
Current operating leases	305	0
Provisions for warranties	816	948
Other provisions	1,375	1,372
Other current liabilities	3,761	3,780
Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations	5,650	4,185
Total current liabilities	20,266	18,447
Long-term debt	6,772	6,587
Non-current operating leases	717	0
Pension and other employee benefits	1,793	1,828
Deferred taxes	911	927
Other non-current liabilities	1,669	1,689
Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations	0	429
Total liabilities	32,128	29,907
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, CHF 0.12 par value (2,168,148,264 issued shares at December 31, 2019 and 2018)	188	188
Additional paid-in capital	73	56
Retained earnings	19,640	19,839
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(5,590)	(5,311)
Treasury stock, at cost (34,647,153 and 36,185,858 shares at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively)	(785)	(820)
Total ABB stockholders' equity	13,526	13,952
Noncontrolling interests	454	582
Total stockholders' equity	13,980	14,534
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 46,108	$ 44,441

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - SFr / shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Common stock, par value (in Swiss francs per share)	SFr 0.12	SFr 0.12
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	2,168,148,264	2,168,148,264
Treasury stock (in shares)	34,647,153	36,185,858

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 1,528	$ 2,298	$ 2,365
Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	(438)	(723)	(846)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	961	916	836
Deferred taxes	(83)	(142)	(199)
Net loss from derivatives and foreign exchange	1	93	29
Net gain from sale of property, plant and equipment	(51)	(57)	(37)
Net gain from sale of businesses	(55)	(57)	(252)
Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale	421	0	0
Share-based payment arrangements	46	50	49
Other	(59)	(76)	4
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables, net	(202)	(144)	(178)
Contract assets and liabilities	(128)	18	(6)
Inventories, net	(182)	(336)	(66)
Accounts payable, trade	130	454	474
Accrued liabilities	(76)	252	99
Provisions, net	(36)	87	(4)
Income taxes payable and receivable	(3)	(102)	202
Other assets and liabilities, net	(131)	(143)	106
Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	1,899	2,352	2,588
Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	426	572	1,211
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,325	2,924	3,799
Investing activities:
Purchases of investments	(748)	(322)	(666)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets	(762)	(772)	(752)
Acquisition of businesses (net of cash acquired) and increases in cost- and equity-accounted companies	(22)	(2,664)	(2,011)
Proceeds from sale of investments	749	567	1,443
Proceeds from maturity of investments	80	160	100
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment	82	72	61
Proceeds from sales of businesses (net of transaction costs and cash disposed) and cost- and equity-accounted companies	69	113	607
Net cash from settlement of foreign currency derivatives	(76)	(30)	63
Other investing activities	(23)	(32)	37
Net cash used in investing activities - continuing operations	(651)	(2,908)	(1,118)
Net cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	(164)	(177)	(332)
Net cash used in investing activities	(815)	(3,085)	(1,450)
Financing activities:
Net changes in debt with maturities of 90 days or less	164	221	204
Increase in debt	2,406	1,914	920
Repayment of debt	(2,156)	(830)	(1,000)
Delivery of shares	10	42	163
Purchase of treasury stock	0	(250)	(251)
Dividends paid	(1,675)	(1,717)	(1,635)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders	(90)	(86)	(83)
Other financing activities	13	(35)	(6)
Net cash used in financing activities - continuing operations	(1,328)	(741)	(1,688)
Net cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	(55)	(48)	(47)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,383)	(789)	(1,735)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	(28)	(131)	268
Net change in cash and equivalents	99	(1,081)	882
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period	3,445	4,526	3,644
Cash and equivalents, end of period	3,544	3,445	4,526
Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid	284	243	205
Income taxes paid	$ 1,005	$ 1,026	$ 894

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Parent [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 13,897	$ 13,395	$ 192	$ 24	$ 19,925	$ (5,187)	$ (1,559)	$ 502
Comprehensive income:
Net income	2,365	2,213			2,213			152
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	924	899				899		25
Effect of change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	1	1				1
Unrecognized income (expense) related to pensions and other postretirement plans, net of tax	(71)	(71)				(71)
Change in derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax	13	13				13
Total comprehensive income	3,232	3,055						177
Changes in noncontrolling interests	3	17		17				(14)
Dividends to noncontrolling shareholders	(134)	0						(134)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(1,622)	(1,622)			(1,622)
Share-based payment arrangements	58	58		58
Cancellation of treasury shares	0	0	(4)	(27)	(922)		953
Purchase of treasury stock	(251)	(251)					(251)
Delivery of shares	163	163		(46)			209
Call options	4	4		4
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	15,349	14,819	188	29	19,594	(4,345)	(647)	530
Comprehensive income:
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles	(201)	(201)			(192)	(9)
Net income	2,298	2,173			2,173			125
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(646)	(631)				(631)		(15)
Effect of change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(3)	(3)				(3)
Unrecognized income (expense) related to pensions and other postretirement plans, net of tax	(295)	(295)				(295)
Change in derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax	(28)	(28)				(28)
Total comprehensive income	1,326	1,216						110
Changes in noncontrolling interests	(23)	(4)		(4)				(19)
Fair value adjustment to noncontrolling interests recognized in business combinations	107	0						107
Dividends to noncontrolling shareholders	(146)	0						(146)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(1,736)	(1,736)			(1,736)
Share-based payment arrangements	60	60		60
Purchase of treasury stock	(249)	(249)					(249)
Delivery of shares	42	42		(35)			77
Call options	5	5		5
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	14,534	13,952	188	56	19,839	(5,311)	(820)	582
Comprehensive income:
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles					36	(36)
Net income	1,528	1,439			1,439			89
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(132)	(126)				(126)		(6)
Effect of change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	14	14				14
Unrecognized income (expense) related to pensions and other postretirement plans, net of tax	(142)	(142)				(142)
Change in derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax	11	11				11
Total comprehensive income	1,279	1,196						83
Changes in noncontrolling interests	(5)	(17)		(17)				12
Fair value adjustment to noncontrolling interests recognized in business combinations	(44)	0						(44)
Changes in noncontrolling interests in connection with divestments	(55)	0						(55)
Dividends to noncontrolling shareholders	(122)	0						(122)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(1,675)	(1,675)			(1,675)
Share-based payment arrangements	55	55		55
Delivery of shares	10	10		(24)			34
Call options	4	4		4
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 13,980	$ 13,526	$ 188	$ 73	$ 19,640	(5,590)	$ (785)	$ 454
Comprehensive income:
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles						$ (36)

The Company

The Company	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
The Company
The Company	Note 1—The Company ABB Ltd and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) together form a technology leader that is driving the digital transformation of industries with its four customer-focused, globally leading businesses.

Significant accounting policies

Significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Significant accounting policies
Significant accounting policies	Note 2—Significant accounting policies The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements. Basis of presentation The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with United States of America (United States or U.S.) generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and are presented in United States dollars ($ or USD) unless otherwise stated. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided. The par value of capital stock is denominated in Swiss francs. See Note 3 for a summary of changes in presentation and other reclassifications affecting these financial statements compared to the previous year. Scope of consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of ABB Ltd and companies which are directly or indirectly controlled by ABB Ltd. Additionally, the Company consolidates variable interest entities if it has determined that it is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Investments in joint ventures and affiliated companies in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies (generally through direct or indirect ownership of 20 percent to 50 percent of the voting rights), are recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements using the equity method of accounting. Discontinued operations The Company reports a disposal, or planned disposal, of a component or a group of components as a discontinued operation if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. A strategic shift could include a disposal of a major geographical area, a major line of business or other major parts of the Company. A component may be a reportable segment or an operating segment, a reporting unit, a subsidiary, or an asset group. The assets and liabilities of a component reported as a discontinued operation are presented separately as held for sale in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest expense that is not directly attributable to or related to the Company’s continuing business or discontinued business is allocated to discontinued operations based on the ratio of net assets to be sold less debt that is required to be paid as a result of the planned disposal transaction to the sum of total net assets of the Company plus consolidated debt. General corporate overhead is not allocated to discontinued operations (see Note 3). Operating cycle A portion of the Company’s activities (primarily long‑term system integration activities) has an operating cycle that exceeds one year. For classification of current assets and liabilities related to such activities, the Company elected to use the duration of the individual contracts as its operating cycle. Accordingly, there are accounts receivable, inventories and provisions related to these contracts which will not be realized within one year that have been classified as current. Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make assumptions and estimates that directly affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes. These accounting assumptions and estimates include: • estimates and assumptions used in determining the fair values of assets and liabilities assumed in business combinations, • assumptions used in the determination of corporate costs directly attributable to discontinued operations, • estimates of loss contingencies associated with litigation or threatened litigation and other claims and inquiries, environmental damages, product warranties, self‑insurance reserves, regulatory and other proceedings, • estimates used to record expected costs for employee severance in connection with restructuring programs, • assumptions used in the calculation of pension and postretirement benefits and the fair value of pension plan assets, • estimates to determine valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and amounts recorded for uncertain tax positions, • growth rates, discount rates and other assumptions used to determine impairment of long‑lived assets and in testing goodwill for impairment, • assumptions used in determining inventory obsolescence and net realizable value, • assessment of the allowance for doubtful accounts, and • assumptions and projections, principally related to future material, labor and project‑related overhead costs, used in determining the percentage‑of‑completion on projects, as well as the amount of variable consideration the Company expects to be entitled to. The actual results and outcomes may differ from the Company’s estimates and assumptions. Cash and equivalents Cash and equivalents include highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition. Currency and other local regulatory limitations related to the transfer of funds exist in a number of countries where the Company operates. Funds, other than regular dividends, fees or loan repayments, cannot be readily transferred abroad from these countries and are therefore deposited and used for working capital needs locally. These funds are included in cash and equivalents as they are not considered restricted. Marketable securities and short‑term investments Management determines the appropriate classification of held‑to‑maturity and available‑for‑sale debt securities at the time of purchase. Debt securities are classified as held‑to‑maturity when the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held‑to‑maturity debt securities are carried at amortized cost, adjusted for accretion of discounts or amortization of premiums to maturity computed under the effective interest method. Such accretion or amortization is included in “Interest and dividend income”. Marketable debt securities not classified as held‑to‑maturity are classified as available‑for‑sale and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available‑for‑sale debt securities are excluded from the determination of earnings and are instead recognized in the “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” component of stockholders’ equity, net of tax, until realized. Realized gains and losses on available‑for‑sale debt securities are computed based upon the historical cost of these securities, using the specific identification method. Marketable debt securities are classified as either “Cash and equivalents” or “Marketable securities and short‑term investments” according to their maturity at the time of acquisition. Marketable equity securities are generally classified as “Marketable securities and short‑term investments”, however, any marketable securities held as a long‑term investment rather than as an investment of excess liquidity are classified as “Other non‑current assets”. Equity securities are measured at fair value with fair value changes reported in net income. Fair value changes for equity securities are reported in “Interest and other finance expense”. The Company performs a periodic review of its debt securities to determine whether an other‑than‑temporary impairment has occurred. Generally, when an individual security has been in an unrealized loss position for an extended period of time, the Company evaluates whether an impairment has occurred. The evaluation is based on specific facts and circumstances at the time of assessment, which include general market conditions, and the duration and extent to which the fair value is below cost. If the fair value of a debt security is less than its amortized cost, then an other‑than‑temporary impairment for the difference is recognized if (i) the Company has the intent to sell the security, (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost base, or (iii) a credit loss exists insofar as the Company does not expect to recover the entire recognized amortized cost of the security. Such impairment charges are generally recognized in “Interest and other finance expense”. If the impairment is due to factors other than credit losses, and the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost, such impairment charges are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”. In addition, equity securities without readily determinable fair value are written down to fair value if a qualitative assessment indicates that the investment is impaired and the fair value of the investment is less than carrying amount. The impairment charge is recorded in “Interest and other finance expense”. Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount. The Company has a group‑wide policy on the management of credit risk. The policy includes a credit assessment methodology to assess the creditworthiness of customers and assign to those customers a risk category. Third‑party agencies’ ratings are considered, if available. For customers where agency ratings are not available, the customer’s most recent financial statements, payment history and other relevant information are considered in the assignment to a risk category. Customers are assessed at least annually or more frequently when information on significant changes in the customer’s financial position becomes known. In addition to the assignment to a risk category, a credit limit per customer is set. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on historical write‑off experience and customer-specific data. If an amount has not been settled within its contractual payment term then it is considered past due. The Company reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts regularly and past due balances are reviewed for collectability. Account balances are charged off against the related allowance when the Company believes that the amount will not be recovered. The Company, in its normal course of business, transfers receivables to third parties, generally without recourse. The transfer is accounted for as a sale when the Company has surrendered control over the receivables. Control is deemed to have been surrendered when (i) the transferred receivables have been put presumptively beyond the reach of the Company and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership, (ii) the third‑party transferees have the right to pledge or exchange the transferred receivables, and (iii) the Company has relinquished effective control over the transferred receivables and does not retain the ability or obligation to repurchase or redeem the transferred receivables. At the time of sale, the sold receivables are removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related cash inflows are classified as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Costs associated with the sale of receivables, including the related gains and losses from the sales, are included in “Interest and other finance expense”. Transfers of receivables that do not meet the requirements for treatment as sales are accounted for as secured borrowings and the related cash flows are classified as financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Concentrations of credit risk The Company sells a broad range of products, systems, services and software to a wide range of industrial, commercial and utility customers as well as various government agencies and quasi‑governmental agencies throughout the world. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited, as the Company’s customer base is comprised of a large number of individual customers. Ongoing credit evaluations of customers’ financial positions are performed to determine whether the use of credit support instruments such as guarantees, letters of credit or credit insurance are necessary; collateral is not generally required. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses as discussed above in “Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts”. Such losses, in the aggregate, are in line with the Company’s expectations. It is the Company’s policy to invest cash in deposits with banks throughout the world with certain minimum credit ratings and in high quality, low risk, liquid investments. The Company actively manages its credit risk by routinely reviewing the creditworthiness of the banks and the investments held. The Company has not incurred significant credit losses related to such investments. The Company’s exposure to credit risk on derivative financial instruments is the risk that the counterparty will fail to meet its obligations. To reduce this risk, the Company has credit policies that require the establishment and periodic review of credit limits for individual counterparties. In addition, the Company has entered into close‑out netting agreements with most derivative counterparties. Close‑out netting agreements provide for the termination, valuation and net settlement of some or all outstanding transactions between two counterparties on the occurrence of one or more pre‑defined trigger events. In the Consolidated Financial Statements derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis. Revenue recognition A customer contract exists if collectability under the contract is considered probable, the contract has commercial substance, contains payment terms, as well as the rights and commitments of both parties, and has been approved. The Company offers arrangements with multiple performance obligations to meet its customers’ needs. These arrangements may involve the delivery of multiple products and/or performance of services (such as installation and training) and the delivery and/or performance may occur at different points in time or over different periods of time. Goods and services under such arrangements are evaluated to determine whether they form distinct performance obligations and should be accounted for as separate revenue transactions. The Company allocates the sales price to each distinct performance obligation based on the price of each item sold in separate transactions at the inception of the arrangement. The Company generally recognizes revenues for the sale of non‑customized products including switchgear, circuit breakers, modular substation packages, control products, motors, generators, drives, robots, turbochargers, measurement and analytical instrumentation, and other goods which are manufactured on a standardized basis at a point in time. Revenues are recognized at the point in time that the customer obtains control of the good which is when it has taken title to the products and assumed the risks and rewards of ownership of the products specified in the purchase order or sales agreement. Generally, the transfer of title and risks and rewards of ownership are governed by the contractually defined shipping terms. The Company uses various International Commercial shipping terms (as promulgated by the International Chamber of Commerce) in its sales of products to third party customers, such as Ex Works (EXW), Free Carrier (FCA) and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). Billing terms for these point in time contracts vary but generally coincide with delivery to the customer. Payment is generally due upon receipt of the invoice, payable within 90 days or less. The Company generally recognizes revenues for the sale of customized products, including integrated automation and electrification systems and solutions, on an over time basis using the percentage‑of‑completion method of accounting. These systems are generally accounted for as a single performance obligation as the Company is required to integrate equipment and services into one deliverable for the customer. Revenues are recognized as the systems are customized during the manufacturing or integration process and as control is transferred to the customer as evidenced by the Company’s right to payment for work performed or by the customer’s ownership of the work in process. The Company principally uses the cost‑to‑cost method to measure progress towards completion on contracts. Under this method, progress of contracts is measured by actual costs incurred in relation to the Company’s best estimate of total costs based on the Company’s history of manufacturing or constructing similar assets for customers. Estimated costs are reviewed and updated routinely for contracts in progress to reflect changes in quantity or pricing of the inputs. The cumulative effect of any change in estimate is recorded in the period when the change in estimate is determined. Contract costs include all direct materials, labor and subcontract costs and indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools and depreciation costs. The nature of the Company’s contracts for the sale of customized products gives rise to several types of variable consideration, including claims, unpriced change orders, liquidated damages and penalties. These amounts are estimated based upon the most likely amount of consideration to which the customer or the Company will be entitled. The estimated amounts are included in the sales price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenues recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. All estimates of variable consideration are reassessed periodically. Back charges to suppliers or subcontractors are recognized as a reduction of cost when it is determined that recovery of such cost is probable and the amounts can be reliably estimated. Billing terms for these over‑time contracts vary but are generally based on achieving specified milestones. The differences between the timing of revenues recognized and customer billings result in changes to contract assets and contract liabilities. Payment is generally due upon receipt of the invoice, payable within 90 days or less. Contractual retention amounts billed to customers are generally due upon expiration of the contractual warranty period. Service revenues reflect revenues earned from the Company’s activities in providing services to customers primarily subsequent to the sale and delivery of a product or complete system. Such revenues consist of maintenance type contracts, repair services, equipment upgrades, field service activities that include personnel and accompanying spare parts, training, and installation and commissioning of products as a stand-alone service or as part of a service contract. The Company generally recognizes revenues from service transactions as services are performed or at the point in time that the customer obtains control of the spare parts. For long-term service contracts including monitoring and maintenance services, revenues are recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the contract consistent with the nature, timing and extent of the services or, if the performance pattern is other than straight line, as the services are provided based on costs incurred relative to total expected costs. In limited circumstances the Company sells extended warranties that extend the warranty coverage beyond the standard coverage offered on specific products. Revenues for these warranties are recorded over the length of the warranty period based on their stand‑alone selling price. Billing terms for service contracts vary but are generally based on the occurrence of a service event. Payment is generally due upon receipt of the invoice, payable within 90 days or less. Revenues are reported net of customer rebates, early settlement discounts, and similar incentives. Rebates are estimated based on sales terms, historical experience and trend analysis. The most common incentives relate to amounts paid or credited to customers for achieving defined volume levels. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on revenue-producing transactions between the Company and its customers, such as sales, use, value added and some excise taxes, are excluded from revenues. The Company does not adjust the contract price for the effects of a financing component if the Company expects, at contract inception, that the time between control transfer and cash receipt is less than 12 months. Sales commissions are expensed immediately when the amortization period for the costs to obtain the contract is less than a year. Contract loss provisions Losses on contracts are recognized in the period when they are identified and are based upon the anticipated excess of contract costs over the related contract revenues. Shipping and handling costs Shipping and handling costs are recorded as a component of cost of sales. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first‑in, first‑out method, the weighted‑average cost method, or the specific identification method. Inventoried costs are stated at acquisition cost or actual production cost, including direct material and labor and applicable manufacturing overheads. Adjustments to reduce the cost of inventory to its net realizable value are made, if required, for decreases in sales prices, obsolescence or similar reductions in value. Impairment of long‑lived assets Long‑lived assets that are held and used are assessed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If the asset’s net carrying value exceeds the asset’s net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated over its remaining useful life including net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset, if any, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value. The estimated fair value is determined using a market, income and/or cost approach. Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and is depreciated using the straight‑line method. The estimated useful lives of the assets are generally as follows: • factories and office buildings: 30 to 40 years, • other facilities: 15 years, • machinery and equipment: 3 to 15 years, • furniture and office equipment: 3 to 8 years, and • leasehold improvements are depreciated over their estimated useful life or, for operating leases, over the lease term, if shorter. Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually as of October 1, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. For the annual impairment review performed in 2019, the reporting units were the same as the operating segments for Electrification, Motion and Robotics & Discrete Automation, while for the Industrial Automation operating segment the reporting units were determined to be one level below the operating segment. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company uses either a qualitative or quantitative assessment method for each reporting unit. The qualitative assessment involves determining, based on an evaluation of qualitative factors, if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If, based on this qualitative assessment, it is determined to be more likely than not that the reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, a quantitative impairment test (described below) is performed, otherwise no further analysis is required. If the Company elects not to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit, then a quantitative impairment test is performed. The quantitative impairment test calculates the fair value of a reporting unit using an income approach based on the present value of future cash flows, applying a discount rate that represents the Company’s weighted-average cost of capital, and compares it to the reporting unit’s carrying value. If the carrying value of the net assets of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit then the Company records an impairment charge equal to the difference, provided that the loss recognized does not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The cost of acquired intangible assets with a finite life is amortized using a method of amortization that reflects the pattern of intangible assets’ expected contributions to future cash flows. If that pattern cannot be reliably determined, the straight‑line method is used. The amortization periods range from 3 to 5 years for software and from 5 to 20 years for customer‑, technology‑ and marketing‑related intangibles. Intangible assets with a finite life are tested for impairment upon the occurrence of certain triggering events. Capitalized software costs When developing software for internal use, costs incurred in the application development stage until the software is substantially complete are capitalized and are amortized on a straight‑line basis over the estimated useful life of the software, typically ranging from 3 to 5 years. Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage currency, commodity, interest rate and equity exposures, arising from its global operating, financing and investing activities (see Note 6). The Company recognizes all derivatives, other than certain derivatives indexed to the Company’s own stock, at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments are reported at fair value with derivative gains and losses reported through earnings and classified consistent with the nature of the underlying transaction. If the derivatives are designated as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivatives will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged through earnings (in the case of a fair value hedge) or recognized in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” until the hedged item is recognized in earnings (in the case of a cash flow hedge). The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings consistent with the classification of the hedged item. Where derivative financial instruments have been designated as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions and such forecasted transactions are no longer probable of occurring, hedge accounting is discontinued and any derivative gain or loss previously included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” is reclassified into earnings consistent with the nature of the original forecasted transaction. Gains or losses from derivatives designated as hedging instruments in a fair value hedge are reported through earnings and classified consistent with the nature of the underlying hedged transaction. Certain commercial contracts may grant rights to the Company or the counterparties, or contain other provisions that are considered to be derivatives. Such embedded derivatives are assessed at inception of the contract and depending on their characteristics, accounted for as separate derivative instruments and shown at their fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes in their fair value reported in earnings consistent with the nature of the commercial contract to which they relate. Derivatives are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the same section as the underlying item. Cash flows from the settlement of undesignated derivatives used to manage the risks of different underlying items on a net basis are classified within “Net cash provided by operating activities”, as the underlying items are primarily operational in nature. Other cash flows on the settlement of derivatives are recorded within “Net cash used in investing activities”. Leases The Company leases primarily real estate, vehicles and machinery. In January 2019, the Company adopted a new lease accounting standard. Prior to the adoption of the new accounting standard, lease transactions where substantially all risks and rewards incident to ownership were transferred from the lessor to the lessee were accounted for as capital leases. All other leases were accounted for as operating leases. The periodic rent expense for operating leases was recorded on a straight‑line basis over the life of the lease term. Amounts due under capital leases were recorded as a liability. The value of the assets under capital leases were recorded as property, plant and equipment. Depreciation and amortization of assets recorded under capital leases was included in depreciation and amortization expense. Under the new lease accounting standard, the Company evaluates if a contract contains a lease at inception of the contract. A contract is or contains a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To determine this, the Company assesses whether, throughout the period of use, it has both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset and the right to direct the use of the identified asset. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with the classification determining the pattern of expense recognition in the Consolidated Income Statements. Lease expense for operating leases continues to be recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease expense for finance leases is separated between amortization of right-of-use assets and lease interest expense. In many cases, the Company’s leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend up to 5 years. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s discretion. Renewal periods are included in the expected lease term if they are reasonably certain of being exercised by the Company. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. None of the Company’s lease agreements contain material residual value guarantees or material restrictions or covenants. Long-term leases (leases with terms greater than 12 months) are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of the minimum lease payments. The present value of the lease payments is determined by using the interest rate implicit in the lease if available. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate is used for most leases and is determined for portfolios of leases based on the remaining lease term, currency of the lease, and the internal credit rating of the subsidiary which entered into the lease. Short-term leases (leases with an initial lease term of 12 months or less and where it is reasonably certain that the property will not be leased for a term greater than 12 months) are not recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The majority of short-term leases relate to real estate and machinery. Assets under operating lease are included in “Operating lease right-of-use assets”. Operating lease liabilities are reported both as current and non-current operating lease liabilities. Right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Assets under finance lease are included in “Property, plant and equipment, net” while finance lease liabilities are included in “Long-term debt” (including “Current maturities of long-term debt” as applicable). Lease and non-lease components for leases other than real estate are not accounted for separately. Translation of foreign currencies and foreign exchange transactions The functional currency for most of the Company’s subsidiaries is the applicable local currency. The translation from the applicable functional currencies into the Company’s reporting currency is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for income statement accounts using average exchange rates prevailing during the year. The resulti

Basis of presentation and asset

Basis of presentation and assets held for sale	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Basis of presentation and assets held for sale
Basis of presentation and assets held for sale	Note 3—Basis of presentation and assets held for sale Discontinued operations In December 2018, the Company announced an agreement to divest 80.1 percent of its Power Grids business to Hitachi Ltd. (Hitachi) valuing the business at $ 11 billion. The business also includes certain real estate properties which were previously reported within Corporate and Other as the Company primarily manages real estate assets centrally as corporate assets. As a result, this business, along with the related real estate assets previously included in Corporate and Other, have been reported as discontinued operations. The divestment is expected to be completed at the end of the second quarter of 2020, following the receipt of customary regulatory approvals as well as the completion of certain legal entity reorganizations expected to be completed before the sale. As this planned divestment represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results, the results of operations for this business have been presented as discontinued operations and the assets and liabilities are reflected as held-for-sale for all periods presented. In addition, amounts relating to stranded corporate costs have been separately disclosed as a component of Corporate and Other (see Note 23). Stranded costs represent overhead and other management costs which were previously included in the measure of segment profit (Operational EBITA) for the former Power Grids operating segment but are not directly attributable to the discontinued operation and thus do not qualify to be recorded as part of income from discontinued operations. Operating results of the discontinued operations are summarized as follows: ($ millions) 2019 2018 2017 Total revenues 9,037 9,698 10,028 Total cost of sales ( 6,983) ( 7,378) ( 7,501) Gross profit 2,054 2,320 2,527 Expenses ( 1,394) ( 1,326) ( 1,376) Income from operations 660 994 1,152 Net interest and other finance expense ( 61) ( 55) ( 42) Non-operational pension (cost) credit 5 12 9 Income from discontinued operations before taxes 605 951 1,119 Provision for taxes ( 167) ( 228) ( 273) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 438 723 846 Of the total Income from discontinued operations before taxes in the table above, $ 566 million, $ 874 million and $ 1,034 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are attributable to the Company, while the remainder is attributable to noncontrolling interests. Income from discontinued operations before taxes excludes the stranded costs previously allocated to the Power Grids operating segment. As a result, $ 225 million, $ 297 million and $ 286 million, for 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, of allocated overhead and other management costs which were previously included in the measure of segment profit for the Power Grids operating segment are now reported as part of Corporate and Other. In the table above, Net interest and other finance expense in 2019, 2018 and 2017 includes $ 44 million, $ 43 million and $ 33 million, respectively, of interest expense which has been recorded on an allocated basis in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy election. In addition, as required by U.S. GAAP, subsequent to December 17, 2018, the Company has not recorded depreciation or amortization on the property, plant and equipment and intangible assets reported as discontinued operations. In 2018 and 2017, respectively, a total of $ 258 million and $ 265 million of depreciation and amortization expense was recorded for such assets. In 2019 and 2018, Income from discontinued operations before taxes includes $ 28 million and $ 18 million, respectively, for costs incurred to execute the transaction. Included in the reported Total revenues of the Company for 2019, 2018 and 2017 are revenues for sales from the Company’s operating segments to the Power Grids business of $ 213 million, $ 243 million and $ 263 million, respectively, which represent intercompany transactions that, prior to Power Grids being classified as a discontinued operation, were eliminated in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements (see Note 23). The major components of the assets and liabilities which are classified as held for sale and in discontinued operations in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets are summarized as follows: December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Receivables, net 2,541 2,377 Contract assets 1,243 1,236 Inventories, net 1,667 1,457 Property, plant and equipment, net 1,754 — Goodwill 1,631 — Other current assets 1,004 94 Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations 9,840 5,164 Property, plant and equipment, net — 1,477 Goodwill — 1,620 Other non-current assets — 330 Non-current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations — 3,427 Accounts payable, trade 1,722 1,732 Contract liabilities 1,121 998 Pension and other employee benefits 419 — Other current liabilities 1,984 1,455 Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations 5,246 4,185 Pension and other employee benefits — 268 Other non-current liabilities — 161 Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations — 429 Planned business divestments classified as held for sale The Company classifies its long-lived assets or disposal groups to be sold as held for sale in the period in which all of the held for sale criteria are met. The Company initially measures a long-lived asset or disposal group that is classified as held for sale at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less any costs to sell. Any resulting loss is recognized in the period in which the held for sale criteria are met, while gains are not recognized on the sale of a long-lived asset or disposal group until the date of sale. The Company assesses the fair value of a long-lived asset or disposal group less any costs to sell at each reporting period and until the asset or disposal group is no longer classified as held for sale. During 2019, the Company reached an agreement to sell its solar inverters business to FIMER S.p.A. for no consideration. Under the agreement the Company is obligated to transfer cash on the closing date and make additional cash payments to the purchaser through 2025. At December 31, 2019, a total of EUR 266 million ($ 299 million) is estimated to be due to the buyer. As a result, in 2019, the Company recorded a loss, of $ 421 million in “Other income (expense), net”, representing the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value of this business. The carrying value at December 31, 2019, includes a loss arising from the cumulative translation adjustment of $ 99 million. The fair value is based on the estimated current market values using Level 3 inputs, considering the agreed-upon sale terms with the buyer. The solar inverters business, which includes the solar inverter business acquired as part of the Power-One acquisition in 2013, is part of the Company’s Electrification operating segment. The estimated loss is based on current exchange rates and net assets of the business. Any changes to these factors through to the closing date of the transaction will result in adjustments to the loss recognized on the planned sale. The divestment is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2020. As this planned divestment does not qualify as a discontinued operation, the results of operations for this business are included in the Company’s continuing operations for all periods presented. The assets and liabilities of this business are shown as assets and liabilities held for sale in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019. The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale relating to this planned divestment are as follows: ($ in millions) December 31, 2019 Assets Receivables, net 70 Inventories, net 127 Property, plant and equipment, net 69 Other intangible assets, net 27 Other assets 26 Valuation allowance on assets held for sale ( 319) Current assets held for sale — Liabilities Accounts payable, trade 86 Contract liabilities 59 Provisions for warranties 108 Other liabilities 49 Fair value adjustment on disposal group 102 Current liabilities held for sale 404 Including the above loss of $ 421 million in 2019, Income from continuing operations before taxes includes net losses of $ 490 million, from the solar inverters business. In 2018, net losses of $ 94 million from this business were included in Income from continuing operations before taxes. Reclassifications and other changes Changes in presentation and disclosure relating to the adoption of new accounting pronouncements Improving the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost In January 2018, the Company adopted an accounting standard update which changes how employers that sponsor defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement plans present net periodic benefit cost in the income statement. As a result, the Company now presents the total Non-operational pension cost/credit as a total outside of income from operations. The components of Non-operational pension cost/credit are summarized in Note 17. The amounts disclosed for 2017 were previously included as a component of income from operations.

Acquisitions and business dives

Acquisitions and business divestments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Acquisitions and business divestments
Acquisitions and business divestments	Note 4—Acquisitions and business divestments Acquisitions Acquisitions were as follows: ($ in millions, except number of acquired businesses) 2019 2018 2017 Purchase price for acquisitions (net of cash acquired) (1) — 2,638 1,992 Aggregate excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (2) 92 1,472 1,267 Number of acquired businesses — 3 4 (1) Excluding changes in cost‑ and equity‑accounted companies. (2) Recorded as goodwill (see Note 11). Includes adjustments of $ 92 million in 2019 arising during the measurement period of acquisitions, primarily reflecting changes in the valuation of net working capital, deferred tax liabilities and intangible assets acquired. In the table above, the “Purchase price for acquisitions” and “Aggregate excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired” amounts for 2018, relate primarily to the acquisition of GE Industrial Solutions (GEIS), and for 2017, relate primarily to the acquisition of Bernecker + Rainer Industrie-Elektronik GmbH (B&R). Acquisitions of controlling interests have been accounted for under the acquisition method and have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements since the date of acquisition. On June 30, 2018, the Company acquired through numerous share and asset purchases substantially all the assets, liabilities and business activities of GEIS, General Electric’s global electrification solutions business. GEIS, headquartered in Atlanta, United States, provides technologies that distribute and control electricity and support the commercial, data center, health care, mining, renewable energy, oil and gas, water and telecommunications sectors. The resulting cash outflows for the Company amounted to $ 2,622 million (net of cash acquired of $ 192 million). The acquisition strengthens the Company’s global position in electrification and expands its access to the North American market through strong customer relationships, a large installed base and extensive distribution networks. Consequently, the goodwill acquired represents expected operating synergies and cost savings as well as intangible assets that are not separable such as employee know-how and expertise. While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, the purchase price allocation for acquisitions is preliminary for up to 12 months after the acquisition date and is subject to refinement as more detailed analyses are completed and additional information about the fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities becomes available. The purchase price allocation relating to the GEIS acquisition was finalized during the second quarter of 2019 and resulted in $ 92 million of net measurement period adjustments, increasing goodwill, primarily related to changes in the valuation of net working capital, deferred tax liabilities and intangible assets acquired. In addition, in November 2019, the Company recognized a gain of $ 92 million relating to the receipt of cash from General Electric for a favorable resolution of an uncertainty with respect to the price paid to acquire GEIS. This occurred after the end of the measurement period and as a result, the Company recorded a gain in “Other income (expense), net”. On July 6, 2017, the Company acquired the shares of B&R, a worldwide provider of product- and software-based, open-architecture solutions for machine and factory automation. This acquisition closes a gap in the Company’s industrial automation portfolio and consequently the goodwill acquired represents the future benefits associated with product portfolio expansion. The final allocation of purchase consideration for GEIS and the aggregate allocation of the purchase consideration for business acquisitions in 2017, was as follows: GEIS 2017 ($ in millions) Allocated amounts Weighted-average useful life Allocated amounts (1) Weighted-average useful life Technology 92 7 years 412 7 years Customer relationships 178 12 years 264 20 years Trade names 135 13 years 61 10 years Supply agreement 32 13 years — Intangible assets 437 737 Property, plant and equipment 373 131 Debt acquired — ( 50) Deferred tax liabilities ( 45) ( 249) Inventories 405 176 Other assets and liabilities, net (2) ( 19) ( 20) Goodwill (3) 1,534 1,267 Noncontrolling interest ( 63) — Total consideration (net of cash acquired) (4) 2,622 1,992 (1) Excludes measurement period adjustments related to prior year acquisitions. (2) Gross receivables from the GEIS acquisition totaled $ 658 million; the fair value of which was $ 624 million after adjusting for contractual cash flows not expected to be collected. (3) The amount of goodwill which is tax deductible is $ 769 million. (4) Primarily relates to the acquisition of B&R in 2017. Cash acquired in the GEIS acquisition totaled $ 192 million. The Company’s Consolidated Income Statement for 2018, includes total revenues of $ 1,317 million and net income of $ 1 million in respect of GEIS since the date of acquisition. The unaudited pro forma financial information in the table below summarizes the combined pro forma results of the Company and GEIS for 2018 and 2017, as if GEIS had been acquired on January 1, 2017. ($ in millions) 2018 2017 Total revenues 28,936 27,881 Income from continuing operations, net of tax 1,622 1,631 The pro forma results are for information purposes only and do not include any anticipated cost synergies or other effects of the planned integration of GEIS. Accordingly, such pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the acquisition been completed on the date indicated, nor are they indicative of the future operating results of the combined company. The unaudited pro forma results above include certain adjustments related to the GEIS acquisition. The table below summarizes the adjustments necessary to present the pro forma financial information of the combined entity as if GEIS had been acquired on January 1, 2017. ($ in millions) 2018 2017 Impact on cost of sales from additional amortization of intangible assets ( 10) ( 20) Impact on cost of sales from fair valuing acquired inventory 26 ( 26) Impact on cost of sales from additional depreciation of property, plant and equipment ( 4) ( 8) Impact on selling, general and administrative expenses from additional amortization of intangible assets ( 5) ( 12) Impact on selling, general and administrative expenses from acquisition-related costs 44 20 Impact on interest expense from financing costs ( 15) ( 62) Taxation adjustments ( 5) 33 Total pro forma adjustments 31 ( 75) Business divestments In 2019, the Company recorded net gains (including transactions costs) of $ 55 million, primarily due to the divestment of two businesses in China. In 2017, the Company received proceeds (net of transaction costs and cash disposed) of $ 605 million, relating to divestments of consolidated businesses and recorded net gains of $ 252 million in “Other income (expense), net” on the sale of such businesses. These are primarily due to the divestment of the Company’s high-voltage cables and cable accessories businesses (the Cables business) in March 2017 and the divestment of the Oil & Gas EPC business in December 2017. The assets and liabilities of the Cables business were classified as held for sale in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2016. The Company has retained certain obligations of the Cables business and thus the Company remains directly or indirectly liable for these liabilities which existed at the date of the divestment. Subsequent to the divestment, the Company recorded a loss of $ 94 million in 2017 for changes in the amounts recorded for these obligations. In addition, the Company has provided certain performance guarantees to third parties which guarantee the performance of the buyer under existing contracts with customers as well as for certain capital expenditures of the divested business (see Note 15). In 2018, there were no significant amounts recognized from divestments of consolidated businesses.

Cash and equivalents, marketabl

Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments
Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments	Note 5—Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments Current assets Cash and equivalents and marketable securities and short‑term investments consisted of the following: December 31, 2019 Marketable securities Gross Gross and unrealized unrealized Cash and short-term ($ in millions) Cost basis gains losses Fair value equivalents investments Changes in fair value recorded in net income Cash 2,111 2,111 2,111 Time deposits 1,433 1,433 1,433 Equity securities 294 10 304 304 3,838 10 — 3,848 3,544 304 Changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income Debt securities available-for-sale: —U.S. government obligations 191 7 ( 1) 197 197 —Corporate 61 4 65 65 252 11 ( 1) 262 — 262 Total 4,090 21 ( 1) 4,110 3,544 566 December 31, 2018 Marketable securities Gross Gross and unrealized unrealized Cash and short-term ($ in millions) Cost basis gains losses Fair value equivalents investments Changes in fair value recorded in net income Cash 1,983 1,983 1,983 Time deposits 1,463 1,463 1,462 1 Other short-term investments 206 206 206 Equity securities 206 ( 3) 203 203 3,858 — ( 3) 3,855 3,445 410 Changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income Debt securities available-for-sale: —U.S. government obligations 217 ( 3) 214 214 —Corporate 90 ( 2) 88 88 307 — ( 5) 302 — 302 Total 4,165 — ( 8) 4,157 3,445 712 Included in Other short‑term investments at December 31, 2018, are receivables of $ 206 million, representing reverse repurchase agreements. Contractual maturities Contractual maturities of debt securities consisted of the following: December 31, 2019 Available-for-sale ($ in millions) Cost basis Fair value One to five years 125 126 Six to ten years 74 77 Due after ten years 53 59 Total 252 262 At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company pledged $ 66 68

Derivative financial instrument

Derivative financial instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments	Note 6—Derivative financial instruments The Company is exposed to certain currency, commodity, interest rate and equity risks arising from its global operating, financing and investing activities. The Company uses derivative instruments to reduce and manage the economic impact of these exposures. Currency risk Due to the global nature of the Company’s operations, many of its subsidiaries are exposed to currency risk in their operating activities from entering into transactions in currencies other than their functional currency. To manage such currency risks, the Company’s policies require its subsidiaries to hedge their foreign currency exposures from binding sales and purchase contracts denominated in foreign currencies. For forecasted foreign currency denominated sales of standard products and the related foreign currency denominated purchases, the Company’s policy is to hedge up to a maximum of 100 percent of the forecasted foreign currency denominated exposures, depending on the length of the forecasted exposures. Forecasted exposures greater than 12 months are not hedged. Forward foreign exchange contracts are the main instrument used to protect the Company against the volatility of future cash flows (caused by changes in exchange rates) of contracted and forecasted sales and purchases denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, within its treasury operations, the Company primarily uses foreign exchange swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts to manage the currency and timing mismatches arising in its liquidity management activities. Commodity risk Various commodity products are used in the Company’s manufacturing activities. Consequently it is exposed to volatility in future cash flows arising from changes in commodity prices. To manage the price risk of commodities, the Company’s policies require that its subsidiaries hedge the commodity price risk exposures from binding contracts, as well as at least 50 percent (up to a maximum of 100 percent) of the forecasted commodity exposure over the next 12 months or longer (up to a maximum of 18 months). Primarily swap contracts are used to manage the associated price risks of commodities. Interest rate risk The Company has issued bonds at fixed rates. Interest rate swaps are used to manage the interest rate risk associated with certain debt and generally such swaps are designated as fair value hedges. In addition, from time to time, the Company uses instruments such as interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, bond futures or forward rate agreements to manage interest rate risk arising from the Company’s balance sheet structure but does not designate such instruments as hedges. Equity risk The Company is exposed to fluctuations in the fair value of its warrant appreciation rights (WARs) issued under its MIP (Management Incentive Plan) (see Note 18). A WAR gives its holder the right to receive cash equal to the market price of an equivalent listed warrant on the date of exercise. To eliminate such risk, the Company has purchased cash‑settled call options, indexed to the shares of the Company, which entitle the Company to receive amounts equivalent to its obligations under the outstanding WARs. Volume of derivative activity In general, while the Company’s primary objective in its use of derivatives is to minimize exposures arising from its business, certain derivatives are designated and qualify for hedge accounting treatment while others either are not designated or do not qualify for hedge accounting. Foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives The gross notional amounts of outstanding foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives (whether designated as hedges or not) were as follows: Type of derivative Total notional amounts at December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Foreign exchange contracts 15,015 13,612 16,261 Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 924 733 899 Interest rate contracts 5,188 3,300 5,706 Derivative commodity contracts The Company uses derivatives to hedge its direct or indirect exposure to the movement in the prices of commodities which are primarily copper, silver and aluminum. The following table shows the notional amounts of outstanding derivatives (whether designated as hedges or not), on a net basis, to reflect the Company’s requirements for these commodities: Total notional amounts at December 31, Type of derivative Unit 2019 2018 2017 Copper swaps metric tonnes 42,494 46,143 28,976 Silver swaps ounces 2,508,770 2,861,294 1,966,729 Aluminum swaps metric tonnes 8,388 9,491 1,869 Equity derivatives At December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company held 40 million, 41 million and 37 million cash‑settled call options indexed to ABB Ltd shares (conversion ratio 5:1) with a total fair value of $ 26 million, $ 6 million and $ 42 million, respectively. Cash flow hedges As noted above, the Company mainly uses forward foreign exchange contracts to manage the foreign exchange risk of its operations, commodity swaps to manage its commodity risks and cash‑settled call options to hedge its WAR liabilities. Where such instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the changes in their fair value is recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same line item and in the same period as the underlying hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffectiveness in the hedge relationship, or hedge component excluded from the assessment of effectiveness, is recognized in earnings during the current period. At December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” included net unrealized losses of $ 5 million, $ 16 million and net unrealized gains of $ 12 million, respectively, net of tax, on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. Of the amount at December 31, 2019, net losses of $ 2 million are expected to be reclassified to earnings in 2020. At December 31, 2019, the longest maturity of a derivative classified as a cash flow hedge was 49 months. In 2019, 2018 and 2017, the amounts of gains or losses, net of tax, reclassified into earnings due to the discontinuance of cash flow hedge accounting and the amount of ineffectiveness in cash flow hedge relationships directly recognized in earnings were not significant. The pre‑tax effects of derivative instruments, designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, on “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (OCI) and the Consolidated Income Statements in 2019, 2018 and 2017, were not significant. Fair value hedges To reduce its interest rate exposure arising primarily from its debt issuance activities, the Company uses interest rate swaps. Where such instruments are designated as fair value hedges, the changes in the fair value of these instruments, as well as the changes in fair value of the risk component of the underlying debt being hedged, are recorded as offsetting gains and losses in “Interest and other finance expense”. Hedge ineffectiveness of instruments designated as fair value hedges in 2019, 2018 and 2017, was not significant. The effect of Interest rate contracts, designated and qualifying as fair value hedges, on the Consolidated Income Statements was as follows: ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Gains (losses) recognized in Interest and other finance expense: - on derivatives designated as fair value hedges 38 ( 4) ( 23) - on hedged item ( 38) 5 27 Derivatives not designated in hedge relationships Derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges or do not qualify as either cash flow or fair value hedges are economic hedges used for risk management purposes. Gains and losses from changes in the fair values of such derivatives are recognized in the same line in the income statement as the economically hedged transaction. Furthermore, under certain circumstances, the Company is required to split and account separately for foreign currency derivatives that are embedded within certain binding sales or purchase contracts denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the subsidiary and the counterparty. The gains (losses) recognized in the Consolidated Income Statements on derivatives not designated in hedging relationships were as follows: ($ in millions) Gains (losses) recognized in income Type of derivative not designated as a hedge Location 2019 2018 2017 Foreign exchange contracts Total revenues ( 7) ( 121) 92 Total cost of sales ( 64) 46 ( 41) SG&A expenses (1) 2 10 ( 18) Non-order related research and development 1 ( 1) — Interest and other finance expense ( 122) 40 22 Embedded foreign exchange contracts Total revenues 17 58 7 Total cost of sales ( 6) ( 4) ( 2) SG&A expenses (1) — 2 5 Commodity contracts Total cost of sales 12 ( 33) 31 Other Interest and other finance expense — 3 ( 2) Total ( 167) — 94 (1) SG&A expenses represent “Selling, general and administrative expenses”. The fair values of derivatives included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows: December 31, 2019 Derivative assets Derivative liabilities Non-current Non-current Current in in “Other Current in in “Other “Other current non-current “Other current non-current ($ in millions) assets” assets” liabilities” liabilities” Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts — — 2 6 Interest rate contracts — 72 — — Cash-settled call options 11 14 — — Total 11 86 2 6 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 85 14 127 14 Commodity contracts 17 — 2 — Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 7 3 12 3 Total 109 18 141 17 Total fair value 120 104 143 23 December 31, 2018 Derivative assets Derivative liabilities Non-current Non-current Current in in “Other Current in in “Other “Other current non-current “Other current non-current ($ in millions) assets” assets” liabilities” liabilities” Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts — — 1 4 Commodity contracts — — 2 — Interest rate contracts — 35 — 1 Cash-settled call options 3 3 — — Total 3 38 3 5 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 117 14 160 30 Commodity contracts 8 1 21 1 Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 15 10 8 1 Total 140 25 189 32 Total fair value 143 63 192 37 Close‑out netting agreements provide for the termination, valuation and net settlement of some or all outstanding transactions between two counterparties on the occurrence of one or more pre‑defined trigger events. Although the Company is party to close‑out netting agreements with most derivative counterparties, the fair values in the tables above and in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2019 and 2018, have been presented on a gross basis. The Company’s netting agreements and other similar arrangements allow net settlements under certain conditions. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, information related to these offsetting arrangements was as follows: ($ in millions) December 31, 2019 Gross amount of Derivative liabilities Type of agreement or recognized eligible for set-off in Cash collateral Non-cash collateral Net asset similar arrangement assets case of default received received exposure Derivatives 214 ( 102) — — 112 Total 214 ( 102) — — 112 ($ in millions) December 31, 2019 Gross amount of Derivative liabilities Type of agreement or recognized eligible for set-off in Cash collateral Non-cash collateral Net liability similar arrangement liabilities case of default pledged pledged exposure Derivatives 151 ( 102) — — 49 Total 151 ( 102) — — 49 ($ in millions) December 31, 2018 Gross amount of Derivative liabilities Type of agreement or recognized eligible for set-off in Cash collateral Non-cash collateral Net asset similar arrangement assets case of default received received exposure Derivatives 181 ( 121) — — 60 Reverse repurchase agreements 206 — — ( 206) — Total 387 ( 121) — ( 206) 60 ($ in millions) December 31, 2018 Gross amount of Derivative liabilities Type of agreement or recognized eligible for set-off in Cash collateral Non-cash collateral Net liability similar arrangement liabilities case of default pledged pledged exposure Derivatives 220 ( 121) — — 99 Total 220 ( 121) — — 99

Fair values

Fair values	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair values
Fair values	Note 7—Fair values Recurring fair value measures The fair values of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows: December 31, 2019 Total ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 fair value Assets Securities in “Marketable securities and short-term investments”: Equity securities — 304 — 304 Debt securities—U.S. government obligations 197 — — 197 Debt securities—Corporate — 65 — 65 Derivative assets—current in “Other current assets” — 120 — 120 Derivative assets—non-current in “Other non-current assets” — 104 — 104 Total 197 593 — 790 Liabilities Derivative liabilities—current in “Other current liabilities” — 143 — 143 Derivative liabilities—non-current in “Other non-current liabilities” — 23 — 23 Total — 166 — 166 December 31, 2018 Total ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 fair value Assets Securities in “Marketable securities and short-term investments”: Equity securities — 203 — 203 Debt securities—U.S. government obligations 214 — — 214 Debt securities—Corporate — 88 — 88 Derivative assets—current in “Other current assets” — 143 — 143 Derivative assets—non-current in “Other non-current assets” — 63 — 63 Total 214 497 — 711 Liabilities Derivative liabilities—current in “Other current liabilities” — 192 — 192 Derivative liabilities—non-current in “Other non-current liabilities” — 37 — 37 Total — 229 — 229 During 2019, 2018 and 2017 there have been no reclassifications for any financial assets or liabilities between Level 1 and Level 2. The Company uses the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair values of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: • Securities in “Marketable securities and short‑term investments”: If quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets are available, these are considered Level 1 inputs; however, when markets are not active, these inputs are considered Level 2. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is determined using market prices for similar assets or present value techniques, applying an appropriate risk‑free interest rate adjusted for non‑performance risk. The inputs used in present value techniques are observable and fall into the Level 2 category. • Derivatives: The fair values of derivative instruments are determined using quoted prices of identical instruments from an active market, if available (Level 1 inputs). If quoted prices are not available, price quotes for similar instruments, appropriately adjusted, or present value techniques, based on available market data, or option pricing models are used. Cash‑settled call options hedging the Company’s WAR liability are valued based on bid prices of the equivalent listed warrant. The fair values obtained using price quotes for similar instruments or valuation techniques represent a Level 2 input unless significant unobservable inputs are used. Non‑recurring fair value measures In June 2019, the Company adjusted the carrying value of the solar inverters business which is classified as held for sale (see Note 3). The fair value is based on the estimated current market values using Level 3 inputs, considering the agreed-upon sale terms with the buyer. There were no other significant non‑recurring fair value measurements during 2019 and 2018. Disclosure about financial instruments carried on a cost basis The fair values of financial instruments carried on a cost basis were as follows: December 31, 2019 Carrying Total ($ in millions) value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 fair value Assets Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities up to 3 months): Cash 2,111 2,111 — — 2,111 Time deposits 1,433 — 1,433 — 1,433 Other non-current assets: Loans granted 30 — 31 — 31 Restricted cash and cash deposits 37 37 — — 37 Liabilities Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 2,270 1,534 736 — 2,270 Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 6,618 6,267 692 — 6,959 December 31, 2018 Carrying Total ($ in millions) value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 fair value Assets Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities up to 3 months): Cash 1,983 1,983 — — 1,983 Time deposits 1,462 — 1,462 — 1,462 Marketable securities and short-term investments (excluding securities): Time deposits 1 — 1 — 1 Receivables under reverse repurchase agreements 206 — 206 — 206 Other non-current assets: Loans granted 30 — 31 — 31 Restricted cash and cash deposits 39 39 — — 39 Liabilities Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 2,008 1,480 528 — 2,008 Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 6,457 5,839 707 — 6,546 The Company uses the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair values of financial instruments carried on a cost basis: • Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities up to 3 months), and Marketable securities and short‑term investments (excluding securities): The carrying amounts approximate the fair values as the items are short‑term in nature. • Other non‑current assets: Includes (i) loans granted whose fair values are based on the carrying amount adjusted using a present value technique to reflect a premium or discount based on current market interest rates (Level 2 inputs), (ii) restricted cash whose fair values approximate the carrying amounts (Level 1 inputs). • Short‑term debt and current maturities of long‑term debt (excluding finance lease obligations): Short‑term debt includes commercial paper, bank borrowings and overdrafts. The carrying amounts of short‑term debt and current maturities of long‑term debt, excluding finance lease obligations, approximate their fair values. • Long‑term debt (excluding finance lease obligations): Fair values of bonds are determined using quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs), if available. For bonds without available quoted market prices and other long‑term debt, the fair values are determined using a discounted cash flow methodology based upon borrowing rates of similar debt instruments and reflecting appropriate adjustments for non‑performance risk (Level 2 inputs).

Receivables, net and Contract a

Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities
Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities	Note 8—Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities “Receivables, net” consisted of the following: December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Trade receivables 5,967 5,970 Other receivables 695 635 Allowance ( 228) ( 219) Total 6,434 6,386 “Trade receivables” in the table above includes contractual retention amounts billed to customers of $ 151 million and $ 176 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Management expects that the substantial majority of related contracts will be completed and the substantial majority of the billed amounts retained by the customer will be collected. Of the retention amounts outstanding at December 31, 2019, 76 percent and 17 percent are expected to be collected in 2020 and 2021, respectively. “Other receivables” in the table above consists of value added tax, claims, rental deposits and other non‑trade receivables. The reconciliation of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows: ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Balance at January 1, 219 202 202 Additions 93 126 61 Deductions ( 81) ( 93) ( 74) Exchange rate differences ( 3) ( 16) 13 Balance at December 31, 228 219 202 The following table provides information about Contract assets and Contract liabilities: ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Contract assets 1,025 1,082 1,141 Contract liabilities 1,719 1,707 1,792 Contract assets primarily relate to the Company’s right to receive consideration for work completed but for which no invoice has been issued at the reporting date. Contract assets are transferred to receivables when rights to receive payment become unconditional. Management expects that the majority of the amounts will be collected within one year of the respective balance sheet date. Contract liabilities primarily relate to up-front advances received on orders from customers as well as amounts invoiced to customers in excess of revenues recognized predominantly on long-term projects. Contract liabilities are reduced as work is performed and as revenues are recognized. The significant changes in the Contract assets and Contract liabilities balances were as follows: 2019 2018 Contract Contract Contract Contract ($ in millions) assets liabilities assets liabilities Revenue recognized, which was included in the Contract liabilities balance at Jan 1, 2019/2018 ( 1,158) ( 879) Additions to Contract liabilities - excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 1,255 518 Receivables recognized that were included in the Contract assets balance at Jan 1, 2019/2018 ( 786) ( 633) The Company considers its order backlog to represent its unsatisfied performance obligations. At December 31, 2019, the Company had unsatisfied performance obligations totaling $ 13,324, million and, of this amount, the Company expects to fulfill approximately 75 percent of the obligations in 2020, approximately 14 percent of the obligations in 2021 and the balance thereafter.

Inventories, net

Inventories, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventories, net
Inventories, net	Note 9—Inventories, net “Inventories, net” consisted of the following: December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Raw materials 1,760 1,823 Work in process 819 837 Finished goods 1,499 1,525 Advances to suppliers 106 99 Total 4,184 4,284

Property, plant and equipment,

Property, plant and equipment, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, net	Note 10—Property, plant and equipment, net “Property, plant and equipment, net” consisted of the following: December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Land and buildings 3,568 3,573 Machinery and equipment 5,620 5,624 Construction in progress 500 464 9,688 9,661 Accumulated depreciation ( 5,716) ( 5,528) Total 3,972 4,133 Assets under finance leases included in “Property, plant and equipment, net” were as follows: December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Land and buildings 142 171 Machinery and equipment 62 69 204 240 Accumulated depreciation ( 99) ( 122) Total 105 118 In 2019, 2018 and 2017 depreciation, including depreciation of assets under finance leases, was $ 616 million, $ 578 million and $ 549 million, respectively. In 2019, 2018 and 2017 there were no significant impairments of property, plant or equipment.

Goodwill and other intangibles

Goodwill and other intangibles assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and other intangibles assets
Goodwill and other intangibles assets	Note 11—Goodwill and other intangibles assets The changes in “Goodwill” below have been recast to reflect the reorganization in 2019 of the Company’s operating segments as outlined in Note 23: Robotics & Industrial Discrete Corporate ($ in millions) Electrification Automation Motion Automation and Other Total Cost at January 1, 2018 2,969 1,631 2,470 2,445 39 9,554 Accumulated impairment charges — — — — ( 18) ( 18) Balance at January 1, 2018 2,969 1,631 2,470 2,445 21 9,536 Goodwill acquired during the year 1,442 — — 30 — 1,472 Goodwill allocated to disposals ( 31) — — — — ( 31) Exchange rate differences and other ( 104) ( 15) ( 29) ( 65) — ( 213) Balance at December 31, 2018 4,276 1,616 2,441 2,410 21 10,764 Goodwill acquired during the year (1) 92 — — — — 92 Goodwill allocated to disposals ( 18) — — — — ( 18) Exchange rate differences and other 22 ( 1) ( 5) ( 29) — ( 13) Balance at December 31, 2019 4,372 1,615 2,436 2,381 21 10,825 (1) Amount consists of adjustments arising during the twelve-month measurement period subsequent to the respective acquisition date (see Note 4). In 2018, goodwill acquired primarily relates to GEIS, acquired in June 2018, which has been allocated to the Electrification Business. Intangible assets other than goodwill consisted of the following: December 31, 2019 2018 Gross Net Gross Net carrying Accumulated carrying carrying Accumulated carrying ($ in millions) amount amortization amount amount amortization amount Capitalized software for internal use 790 ( 628) 162 779 ( 586) 193 Capitalized software for sale 29 ( 29) — 30 ( 30) — Intangibles other than software: Customer-related 2,513 ( 1,005) 1,508 2,609 ( 909) 1,700 Technology-related 1,056 ( 722) 334 1,131 ( 701) 430 Marketing-related 501 ( 286) 215 483 ( 240) 243 Other 59 ( 26) 33 67 ( 26) 41 Total 4,948 ( 2,696) 2,252 5,099 ( 2,492) 2,607 Additions to intangible assets other than goodwill consisted of the following: ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Capitalized software for internal use 42 139 Intangibles other than software: Customer-related — 214 Technology-related — 87 Marketing-related — 122 Other — 34 Total 42 596 The additions of $ 42 million in 2019 were not related to business combinations. Included in the additions of $ 596 million in 2018 were the following intangible assets other than goodwill related to business combinations: 2018 Amount Weighted-average ($ in millions) acquired useful life Capitalized software for internal use 65 2 years Intangibles other than software: Customer-related 214 14 years Technology-related 87 7 years Marketing-related 122 13 years Other 34 13 years Total 522 Amortization expense of intangible assets other than goodwill consisted of the following: ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Capitalized software for internal use 74 59 50 Intangibles other than software 271 279 237 Total 345 338 287 In 2019, 2018 and 2017, impairment charges on intangible assets other than goodwill were not significant. At December 31, 2019, future amortization expense of intangible assets other than goodwill is estimated to be: ($ in millions) 2020 337 2021 301 2022 253 2023 233 2024 211 Thereafter 917 Total 2,252

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt
Debt	Note 12—Debt The Company’s total debt at December 31, 2019 and 2018, amounted to $ 9,059 million and $ 8,618 million, respectively. Short‑term debt and current maturities of long̩‑term debt The Company’s “Short‑term debt and current maturities of long‑term debt” consisted of the following: December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Short-term debt (weighted-average interest rate of 2.8% and 2.3%, respectively) 838 561 Current maturities of long-term debt (weighted-average nominal interest rate of 0.7% and 2.7%, respectively) 1,449 1,470 Total 2,287 2,031 Short‑term debt primarily represents short‑term loans from various banks and issued commercial paper. At December 31, 2019, the Company had in place two commercial paper programs: a $ 2 billion Euro‑commercial paper program for the issuance of commercial paper in a variety of currencies, and a $ 2 billion commercial paper program for the private placement of U.S. dollar denominated commercial paper in the United States. At December 31, 2018, $ 172 million was outstanding under the $ 2 billion Euro-commercial paper program. No amount was outstanding under this program at December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, $ 706 million and $ 292 million, respectively, was outstanding under the $ 2 billion program in the United States. In addition, in December 2019, the Company replaced its $ 2 billion multicurrency revolving credit facility, maturing in 2021, with a new $ 2 billion 5-year multicurrency credit facility maturing in 2024. The new credit facility provides an option in 2020 and 2021 to extend the maturity to 2025 and 2026, respectively. The facility is for general corporate purposes. Interest costs on drawings under the facility are LIBOR or EURIBOR (depending on the currency of the drawings) plus a margin of 0.175 percent, while commitment fees (payable on the unused portion of the facility) amount to 35 percent of the margin, which represents commitment fees of 0.06125 percent per annum. Utilization fees, payable on drawings, amount to 0.075 percent per annum on drawings up to one‑third of the facility, 0.15 percent per annum on drawings in excess of one‑third but less than or equal to two‑thirds of the facility, or 0.30 percent per annum on drawings over two‑thirds of the facility. The facility contains cross‑default clauses whereby an event of default would occur if the Company were to default on indebtedness as defined in the facility, at or above a specified threshold. No amount was drawn at December 31, 2019 and 2018, under either the new or the old facility. The old facility was terminated in December 2019. Long‑term debt The Company raises long-term debt in various currencies, maturities and on various interest rate terms. For certain of its debt obligations, the Company utilizes derivative instruments to modify its interest rate exposure. In particular, the Company uses interest rate swaps to effectively convert certain fixed‑rate long‑term debt into floating rate obligations. The carrying value of debt, designated as being hedged by fair value hedges, is adjusted for changes in the fair value of the risk component of the debt being hedged. The following table summarizes the Company’s long‑term debt considering the effect of interest rate swaps. Consequently, a fixed‑rate debt subject to a fixed‑to‑floating interest rate swap is included as a floating rate debt in the table below: December 31, 2019 2018 Nominal Effective Nominal Effective ($ in millions, except % data) Balance rate rate Balance rate rate Floating rate 2,221 1.5% 1.1% 3,106 1.7% 1.1% Fixed rate 6,000 2.8% 2.4% 4,951 3.6% 3.6% 8,221 8,057 Current portion of long-term debt ( 1,449) 0.7% 0.6% ( 1,470) 2.7% 2.7% Total 6,772 6,587 At December 31, 2019, the principal amounts of long‑term debt repayable (excluding finance lease obligations) at maturity were as follows: ($ in millions) 2020 1,433 2021 1,273 2022 1,259 2023 1,237 2024 1,136 Thereafter 1,681 Total 8,019 Details of the Company’s outstanding bonds were as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 Nominal Carrying Nominal Carrying outstanding value (1) outstanding value (1) (in millions) (in millions) Bonds: 2.625% EUR Instruments, due 2019 EUR 1,250 $ 1,431 2.8% USD Notes, due 2020 USD 300 $ 300 USD 300 $ 299 Floating EUR Notes, due 2020 EUR 1,000 $ 1,122 4.0% USD Notes, due 2021 USD 650 $ 648 USD 650 $ 646 2.25% CHF Bonds, due 2021 CHF 350 $ 373 CHF 350 $ 373 5.625% USD Notes, due 2021 USD 250 $ 260 USD 250 $ 265 2.875% USD Notes, due 2022 USD 1,250 $ 1,267 USD 1,250 $ 1,242 3.375% USD Notes, due 2023 USD 450 $ 448 USD 450 $ 448 0.625% EUR Instruments, due 2023 EUR 700 $ 799 EUR 700 $ 807 0.75% EUR Instruments, due 2024 EUR 750 $ 859 EUR 750 $ 862 0.3% CHF Notes, due 2024 CHF 280 $ 288 3.8% USD Notes, due 2028 USD 750 $ 746 USD 750 $ 746 1.0% CHF Notes, due 2029 CHF 170 $ 175 4.375% USD Notes, due 2042 USD 750 $ 724 USD 750 $ 723 Total $ 8,009 $ 7,842 (1) USD carrying values include unamortized debt issuance costs, bond discounts or premiums, as well as adjustments for fair value hedge accounting, where appropriate. During 2019, the Company repaid at maturity its 2.625% EUR Instruments. The 2.625% EUR Instruments paid fixed rate interest annually in arrears. The 2.8% USD Notes, due 2020, pay interest semi-annually in arrears at a fixed rate of 2.8 percent per annum. In April 2019, the Company issued 18-month floating rate notes with an aggregate principal of EUR 1,000 million, due in October 2020. These notes pay interest quarterly in arrears at a variable interest rate of 35 basis points above the 3-month EURIBOR, with a floor rate of zero. The aggregate net proceeds amounted to EUR 1,002 million (equivalent to approximately $ 1,129 million on date of issuance). The 4.0% USD Notes, due 2021, pay interest semi‑annually in arrears, at a fixed annual rate of 4.0 percent. The Company may redeem these notes prior to maturity, in whole or in part, at the greater of (i) 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (excluding interest accrued to the redemption date) discounted to the redemption date at a rate defined in the note terms, plus interest accrued at the redemption date. The 2.25% CHF Bonds, due 2021, pay interest annually in arrears, at a fixed annual rate of 2.25 percent. The Company has the option to redeem the bonds prior to maturity, in whole, at par plus accrued interest, if 85 percent of the aggregate principal amount of the bonds has been redeemed or purchased and cancelled. The Company entered into interest rate swaps to hedge its interest obligations on these bonds. After considering the impact of such swaps, these bonds effectively became floating rate Swiss franc obligations and consequently have been shown as floating rate debt in the table of long‑term debt above. The 5.625% USD Notes, due 2021, pay interest semi‑annually in arrears at a fixed annual rate of 5.625 percent. The Company has the option to redeem the notes prior to maturity at the greater of (i) 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, and (ii) the sum of the present values of remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (excluding interest accrued to the redemption date) discounted to the redemption date at a rate defined in the note terms, plus interest accrued at the redemption date. The 2.875% USD Notes, due 2022, pay interest semi‑annually in arrears at a fixed annual rate of 2.875 percent. The 4.375% USD Notes, due 2042, pay interest semi‑annually in arrears at a fixed annual rate of 4.375 percent. The Company may redeem both of these notes (which were issued together in May 2012) prior to maturity, in whole or in part, at the greater of (i) 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (excluding interest accrued to the redemption date) discounted to the redemption date at a rate defined in the note terms, plus interest accrued at the redemption date. These notes, registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, were issued by ABB Finance (USA) Inc., a 100 percent owned finance subsidiary, and were fully and unconditionally guaranteed by ABB Ltd. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the parent company to obtain funds from its subsidiaries by dividend or loan. In reliance on Rule 3‑10 of Regulation S‑X, the separate financial statements of ABB Finance (USA) Inc. are not provided. The Company has entered into interest rate swaps for an aggregate nominal amount of $ 1,050 million to partially hedge its interest obligations on the 2.875% USD Notes, due 2022. After considering the impact of such swaps, $ 1,050 million of the outstanding principal is shown as floating rate debt in the table of long‑term debt above. The 0.625% EUR Instruments, due 2023, were issued in May 2016, with total net issuance proceeds of EUR 697 million (equivalent to approximately $ 807 million on date of issuance). These Instruments pay interest annually in arrears at a fixed rate of 0.625 percent per annum. The Company may redeem these notes three months prior to maturity (Par call date), in whole or in part, at the greater of (i) 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (excluding interest accrued to the redemption date) discounted to the redemption date at a rate defined in the note terms, plus interest accrued at the redemption date. The Company may redeem these instruments in whole or in part, after the Par call date at 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed. The Company entered into interest rate swaps to hedge its interest on these bonds. After considering the impact of such swaps, these notes effectively became floating rate euro obligations and consequently have been shown as floating rate debt, in the table of long‑term debt above. The 0.75% EUR Instruments, due 2024, were issued in May 2017, with total net issuance proceeds of EUR 745 million (equivalent to approximately $ 824 million on date of issuance). These Instruments pay interest annually in arrears at a fixed rate of 0.75 percent per annum and have the same early redemption terms as the 0.625% EUR Instruments above. The Company entered into interest rate swaps to hedge its interest on these bonds. After considering the impact of such swaps, these bonds effectively became floating rate euro obligations and consequently have been shown as floating rate debt in the table of long‑term debt above. In April 2018, the Company issued the following notes (i) $ 300 million of 2.8% USD Notes, due 2020, (ii) $ 450 million of 3.375% USD Notes, due 2023, and (iii) $ 750 million of 3.8% USD Notes, due 2028. Each of the respective notes pays interest semi‑annually in arrears. The aggregate net proceeds of these bond issues, after underwriting discount and other fees, amounted to $ 1,494 million. The Company may redeem the notes at any time prior to their maturity date in the case of the 2020 Notes, up to one month prior to their maturity date in the case of the 2023 Notes, and up to three months prior to their maturity date in the case of the 2028 Notes, in whole or in part, at the greater of (i) 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (excluding interest accrued to the redemption date) discounted to the redemption date at a rate defined in the Notes terms, plus interest accrued at the redemption date. On or after March 3, 2023 ( one month prior to their maturity date) in the case of the 2023 Notes and on or after January 3, 2028 ( three months prior to their maturity date) in the case of the 2028 Notes, the Company may also redeem the notes of the applicable series, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed plus unpaid accrued interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. These notes, registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, were issued by ABB Finance (USA) Inc., a 100 percent owned finance subsidiary, and were fully and unconditionally guaranteed by ABB Ltd. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the parent company to obtain funds from its subsidiaries by dividend or loan. In reliance on Rule 3‑10 of Regulation S‑X, the separate financial statements of ABB Finance (USA) Inc. are not provided. In February 2019, the Company issued the following notes: (i) CHF 280 million of 0.3% CHF Notes, due 2024 and (ii) CHF 170 million of 1.0% CHF Notes, due 2029. Each of the respective notes pays interests annually in arrears. The Company recorded aggregate net proceeds, after underwriting discount and other fees, of CHF 449 million (equivalent to approximately $ 449 million on date of issuance). The Company’s various debt instruments contain cross‑default clauses which would allow the bondholders to demand repayment if the Company were to default on any borrowing at or above a specified threshold. Furthermore, all such bonds constitute unsecured obligations of the Company and rank pari passu with other debt obligations. In addition to the bonds described above, included in long‑term debt at December 31, 2019 and 2018, are finance lease obligations, bank borrowings of subsidiaries and other long‑term debt, none of which is individually significant.

Other provisions, other current

Other provisions, other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other provisions, other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities
Other provisions, other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities	Note 13—Other provisions, other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities “Other provisions” consisted of the following: December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Contract-related provisions 607 590 Restructuring and restructuring-related provisions 234 277 Provisions for contractual penalties and compliance and litigation matters 209 209 Provision for insurance-related reserves 168 166 Other 157 130 Total 1,375 1,372 “Other current liabilities” consisted of the following: December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Employee-related liabilities 1,396 1,506 Accrued expenses 592 546 Non-trade payables 442 477 Income taxes payable 355 260 Accrued customer rebates 287 299 Other tax liabilities 282 277 Derivative liabilities (see Note 6) 143 192 Accrued interest 44 73 Pension and other employee benefits 36 34 Deferred income 25 36 Other 159 80 Total 3,761 3,780 “Other non‑current liabilities” consisted of the following: December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Income tax related liabilities 1,218 1,111 Provisions for contractual penalties and compliance and litigation matters 112 132 Employee-related liabilities 72 74 Environmental provisions 48 56 Derivative liabilities (see Note 6) 23 37 Deferred income 7 12 Other 189 267 Total 1,669 1,689

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases
Leases	Note 14—Leases The Company’s lease obligations primarily relate to real estate, machinery and equipment. Prior to the adoption of the new lease standard in 2019, rent expense was $ 364 million and $ 385 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Sublease income received by the Company on leased assets was $ 7 million and $ 11 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Under the new accounting standard, adopted in January 2019, the components of lease expense were as follows: ($ in millions) 2019 Land and Machinery buildings and equipment Total Operating lease cost 268 101 369 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets 13 20 33 Interest on lease liabilities 1 2 3 Variable lease cost (1) — 5 5 Short-term lease cost 19 29 48 Sub-lease income ( 2) — ( 2) Total lease expense 299 157 456 (1) Primarily relates to variable payments that are tied to the consumer price index and are therefore included in the measurement of the right-of-use asset or lease liability. The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to leases: ($ in millions) 2019 Land and Machinery buildings and equipment Total Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases 252 96 348 Operating cash flows from finance leases 1 2 3 Financing cash flows from finance leases 8 12 20 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new liabilities: Under operating leases 153 52 205 Under finance leases 23 18 41 At December 31, 2019, the future net minimum lease payments for operating and finance leases and the related present value of the net minimum lease payments consisted of the following: ($ in millions) Operating Leases Finance Leases Land and Machinery Land and Machinery buildings and equipment buildings and equipment 2020 222 86 23 14 2021 178 41 24 11 2022 137 21 23 8 2023 105 10 20 4 2024 86 8 21 1 Thereafter 226 5 84 — Total minimum lease payments 954 171 195 38 Less amount representing estimated executory costs included in total minimum lease payments — — ( 1) — Net minimum lease payments 954 171 194 38 Difference between undiscounted cash flows and discounted cash flows ( 98) ( 5) ( 59) ( 2) Present value of minimum lease payments 856 166 135 36 The following table presents certain information related to lease terms and discount rates for leases as of December 31, 2019: ($ in millions) Operating Leases Finance Leases Land and Machinery Land and Machinery buildings and equipment buildings and equipment Weighted-average remaining term (months) 78 29 110 33 Weighted-average discount rate 3.0% 2.2% 8.2% 2.8% Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals due in the future under non‑cancelable subleases. Such minimum sublease rentals were not significant. The present value of minimum finance lease payments included in “Short‑term debt and current maturities of long‑term debt” and “Long‑term debt” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2019, amounts to $ 17 million and $ 154 million, respectively.

Commitments and contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and contingencies
Commitments and contingencies	Note 15—Commitments and contingencies Contingencies—Regulatory, Compliance and Legal Regulatory In April 2014, the European Commission announced its decision regarding its investigation of anticompetitive practices in the cables industry and granted the Company full immunity from fines under its leniency program. In February 2019, the Brazilian Antitrust Authority (CADE) announced its decision regarding its investigation of anticompetitive practices in certain power businesses of the Company, including flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) and power transformers, and granted the Company full immunity from fines under its leniency program. As a result of an internal investigation, the Company self-reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DoJ) in the United States as well as to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in the United Kingdom concerning certain of its past dealings with Unaoil and its subsidiaries, including alleged improper payments made by these entities to third parties. The SFO has commenced an investigation into this matter. The Company is cooperating fully with the authorities. At this time, it is not possible for the Company to make an informed judgment about the outcome of these matters. Based on findings during an internal investigation, the Company self-reported to the SEC and the DoJ, to various authorities in South Africa and other countries as well as to certain multilateral financial institutions potential suspect payments and other compliance concerns in connection with some of the Company’s dealings with Eskom and related persons. Many of those parties have expressed an interest in, or commenced an investigation into, these matters and the Company is cooperating fully with them. Although the Company believes that there may be an unfavorable outcome in one or more of these compliance-related matters, at this time it is not possible for the Company to make an informed judgment about the possible financial impact. General The Company is aware of proceedings, or the threat of proceedings, against it and others in respect of private claims by customers and other third parties with regard to certain actual or alleged anticompetitive practices. Also, the Company is subject to other claims and legal proceedings, as well as investigations carried out by various law enforcement authorities. With respect to the above-mentioned claims, regulatory matters, and any related proceedings, the Company will bear the related costs, including costs necessary to resolve them. Liabilities recognized At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had aggregate liabilities of $ 157 million and $ 221 million, respectively, included in “Other provisions” and “Other non‑current liabilities”, for the above regulatory, compliance and legal contingencies, and none of the individual liabilities recognized was significant. As it is not possible to make an informed judgment on, or reasonably predict, the outcome of certain matters and as it is not possible, based on information currently available to management, to estimate the maximum potential liability on other matters, there could be material adverse outcomes beyond the amounts accrued. Guarantees General The following table provides quantitative data regarding the Company’s third‑party guarantees. The maximum potential payments represent a “worst‑case scenario”, and do not reflect management’s expected outcomes. December 31, 2019 2018 Maximum potential ($ in millions) payments (1) Performance guarantees 1,860 1,584 Financial guarantees 10 10 Indemnification guarantees 64 64 Total 1,934 1,658 (1) Maximum potential payments include amounts in both continuing and discontinued operations The carrying amount of liabilities recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets reflects the Company’s best estimate of future payments, which it may incur as part of fulfilling its guarantee obligations. In respect of the above guarantees, the carrying amounts of liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018, were not significant. The Company is party to various guarantees providing financial or performance assurances to certain third parties. These guarantees, which have various maturities up to 2027, mainly consist of performance guarantees whereby (i) the Company guarantees the performance of a third party’s product or service according to the terms of a contract and (ii) as member of a consortium/joint venture that includes third parties, the Company guarantees not only its own performance but also the work of third parties. Such guarantees may include guarantees that a project will be completed within a specified time. If the third party does not fulfill the obligation, the Company will compensate the guaranteed party in cash or in kind. The original maturity dates for the majority of these performance guarantees range from one eight years. In conjunction with the divestment of the high‑voltage cable and cables accessories businesses, the Company has entered into various performance guarantees with other parties with respect to certain liabilities of the divested business. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the maximum potential payable under these guarantees amounts to $ 898 million and $ 771 million, respectively, and these guarantees have various maturities ranging from one ten years. Commercial commitments In addition, in the normal course of bidding for and executing certain projects, the Company has entered into standby letters of credit, bid/performance bonds and surety bonds (collectively “performance bonds”) with various financial institutions. Customers can draw on such performance bonds in the event that the Company does not fulfill its contractual obligations. The Company would then have an obligation to reimburse the financial institution for amounts paid under the performance bonds. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the total outstanding performance bonds aggregated to $ 6.8 billion and $ 7.4 billion, respectively, of which $ 3.7 billion and $ 4.3 billion, respectively, relate to discontinued operations. There have been no significant amounts reimbursed to financial institutions under these types of arrangements in 2019, 2018 and 2017. Product and order‑related contingencies The Company calculates its provision for product warranties based on historical claims experience and specific review of certain contracts. The reconciliation of the “Provisions for warranties”, including guarantees of product performance, was as follows: ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Balance at January 1, 948 909 815 Net change in warranties due to acquisitions, divestments and liabilities held for sale (1) ( 88) 41 30 Claims paid in cash or in kind ( 310) ( 307) ( 243) Net increase in provision for changes in estimates, warranties issued and warranties expired 276 341 234 Exchange rate differences ( 10) ( 36) 73 Balance at December 31, 816 948 909 (1) Includes adjustments to the initial purchase price allocation recorded during the measurement period. a During 2018, the Company recorded changes in the estimated amount for a product warranty relating to a divested business which is included within Corporate and Other. The relevant product had an unexpected level of product failure which requires higher than expected costs to remediate. As a result, warranty expenses of $ 92 million, were recorded in “Cost of sales of products” in 2018. As these costs relate to a divested business, in accordance with the definition of the Company’s primary measure of segment performance, Operational EBITA (see Note 23), the costs have been excluded from this measure. The warranty liability has been recorded based on the information currently available and is subject to change in the future. Related party transactions The Company conducts business with certain companies where members of the Company’s Board of Directors or Executive Committee act, or in recent years have acted, as directors or senior executives. The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that the Company’s business relationships with those companies do not constitute material business relationships. This determination was made in accordance with the Company’s related party transaction policy which was prepared based on the Swiss Code of Best Practice and the independence criteria set forth in the corporate governance rules of the New York Stock Exchange.

Income taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income taxes
Income taxes	Note 16—Income taxes “Provision for taxes” consisted of the following: ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Current taxes 855 686 782 Deferred taxes ( 83) ( 142) ( 199) Tax expense from continuing operations 772 544 583 Tax expense from discontinued operations 167 228 273 Income tax expense from continuing operations is reconciled below from the Company’s weighted‑average global tax rate (rather than from the Swiss domestic statutory tax rate) as the parent company of the ABB Group, ABB Ltd, is domiciled in Switzerland and income generated in jurisdictions outside of Switzerland (hereafter “foreign jurisdictions”) which has already been subject to corporate income tax in those foreign jurisdictions is, to a large extent, tax exempt in Switzerland. There is no requirement in Switzerland for any parent company of a group to file a tax return of the consolidated group determining domestic and foreign pre‑tax income. As the Company’s consolidated income from continuing operations is predominantly earned outside of Switzerland, corporate income tax in foreign jurisdictions largely determines the weighted‑average global tax rate of the Company. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code. The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which allowed the Company to record provisional amounts in income tax expense from continuing operations in the 2017 financial statements. The estimated impact included a benefit of $ 30 million due to changes in tax rates, valuation allowance on foreign tax credits and undistributed earnings of subsidiaries, offset by $ 26 million charge for one‑time transition tax. The amounts were finalized in 2018 and no material change to the estimated figures was recorded. The reconciliation of “Tax expense from continuing operations” at the weighted‑average tax rate to the effective tax rate is as follows: ($ in millions, except % data) 2019 2018 2017 Income from continuing operations before taxes 1,862 2,119 2,102 Weighted-average global tax rate 18.3% 22.2% 23.6% Income taxes at weighted-average tax rate 341 470 497 Items taxed at rates other than the weighted-average tax rate ( 7) ( 43) ( 114) Changes in valuation allowance, net 198 41 763 Effects of changes in tax laws and (enacted) tax rates 63 1 ( 747) Non-deductible expenses 44 86 58 Other, net 133 ( 11) 126 Tax expense from continuing operations 772 544 583 Effective tax rate for the year 41.5% 25.7% 27.7% The allocation of consolidated income from continued operations, which is predominantly earned outside of Switzerland, impacts the “weighted-average global tax rate”. In 2019, based on the enacted tax rates in the applicable jurisdictions, the loss recorded for the planned sale of the solar inverters business reduced the weighted-average global tax rate by approximately 2 percent. In 2018 and 2017, the benefit reported in “Items taxed at rates other than the weighted-average tax rate” included positive impacts of $ 17 million and $ 72 million, respectively, relating to non-taxable amounts for net gains from sale of businesses. In 2019, the amount was not significant. In 2019, “Changes in valuation allowance, net” includes adjustments to the valuation allowance in certain jurisdictions where the Company updated its assessment that it was more likely than not that such deferred tax assets would be realized. In 2019, the Company recorded an increase of $ 158 million to the valuation allowance in certain operations in North America including an amount to provide for certain deferred tax assets arising in 2019. In 2018, the “Changes in valuation allowance, net” included adjustments in valuation allowance recorded in certain jurisdictions where the Company updated its assessment that it was more likely than not that such deferred tax assets would be realized. The amount included an increase of $ 40 million relating to certain operations in Central Europe. In 2019, “Effects of changes in tax laws and (enacted) tax rates” primarily reflects a change in tax law applicable to a country in Europe. The benefit was mostly offset by a related change in the valuation allowance, resulting in a net benefit of $ 17 million. In 2017, the relevant tax rate applicable to one of the Company’s subsidiaries increased and in connection with this change, the Company benefited from an increase of $ 721 million in deferred tax assets relating to certain long‑term assets. This benefit was also offset by a related change in the valuation allowance of $ 668 million as the Company determined that it was more likely than not that such deferred tax assets would not be realized. In 2019, 2018 and 2017, “Non‑deductible expenses” includes $ 44 million, $ 86 million and $ 58 million, respectively, in relation to items that were deducted for financial accounting purposes but were not tax deductible, such as interest expense, local taxes on productive activities, disallowed meals and entertainment expenses and other similar items. In 2019 and 2017, “Other, net” in the table above included net charges of $ 91 million and $ 148 million, respectively, related to the interpretation for tax law and double tax treaty agreements by competent tax authorities while in 2018, “Other, net” included a net benefit of $ 22 million. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities (excluding amounts held for sale and in discontinued operations) consisted of the following: December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets: Unused tax losses and credits 507 600 Provisions and other accrued liabilities 650 769 Pension 592 476 Inventories 463 253 Intangibles and other non-current assets 972 1,031 Other 300 122 Total gross deferred tax asset 3,484 3,251 Valuation allowance ( 1,632) ( 1,535) Total gross deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance 1,852 1,716 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment ( 244) ( 202) Intangibles and other assets ( 679) ( 770) Pension and other liabilities ( 538) ( 153) Inventories ( 39) ( 67) Unremitted earnings ( 353) ( 445) Total gross deferred tax liability ( 1,853) ( 1,637) Net deferred tax asset (liability ) ( 1) 79 Included in: “Deferred taxes”—non-current assets 910 1,006 “Deferred taxes”—non-current liabilities ( 911) ( 927) Net deferred tax asset (liability) ( 1) 79 Certain entities have deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carry‑forwards and other items. As recognition of these assets in certain entities did not meet the more likely than not criterion, valuation allowances have been recorded and amount to $ 1,632 million and $ 1,535 million, at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. “Unused tax losses and credits” at December 31, 2019 and 2018, in the table above, included $ 126 million and $ 145 million, respectively, for which the Company has established a full valuation allowance as, due to limitations imposed by the relevant tax law, the Company determined that, more likely than not, such deferred tax assets would not be realized. The valuation allowance at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $ 1,632 million, $ 1,535 million and $ 1,303 million, respectively. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, deferred tax liabilities totaling $ 353 million and $ 445 million, respectively, have been provided for primarily in respect of withholding taxes, dividend distribution taxes or additional corporate income taxes (hereafter “withholding taxes”) on unremitted earnings which will be payable in foreign jurisdictions on the repatriation of earnings to Switzerland. Income which has been generated outside of Switzerland and has already been subject to corporate income tax in such foreign jurisdictions is, to a large extent, tax exempt in Switzerland. Therefore, generally no or only limited Swiss income tax has to be provided for on the repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Certain countries levy withholding taxes on dividend distributions. Such taxes cannot always be fully reclaimed by the shareholder, although they have to be declared and withheld by the subsidiary. In 2019 and 2018, certain taxes arose in certain foreign jurisdictions for which the technical merits do not allow utilization of benefits. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, foreign subsidiary retained earnings subject to withholding taxes upon distribution of approximately $ 100 million and $ 100 million, respectively, were considered as indefinitely reinvested, as these funds are used for financing current operations as well as business growth through working capital and capital expenditure in those countries and, consequently, no deferred tax liability was recorded. At December 31, 2019, net operating loss carry‑forwards of $ 1,999 million and tax credits of $ 78 million were available to reduce future taxes of certain subsidiaries. Of these amounts, $ 1,203 million of loss carry-forwards and $ 52 million of tax credits will expire in varying amounts through 2039, while the remainder will not expire. The largest amount of these carry‑forwards related to the Company’s Europe operations. Unrecognized tax benefits consisted of the following: Penalties and interest related to Unrecognized unrecognized ($ in millions) tax benefits tax benefits Total Classification as unrecognized tax items on January 1, 2017 760 172 932 Increase relating to prior year tax positions 115 103 218 Decrease relating to prior year tax positions ( 76) ( 37) ( 113) Increase relating to current year tax positions 223 — 223 Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities ( 23) ( 2) ( 25) Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations ( 75) ( 12) ( 87) Exchange rate differences 101 18 119 Balance at December 31, 2017, which would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate 1,025 242 1,267 Net change due to acquisitions and divestments 8 — 8 Increase relating to prior year tax positions 35 37 72 Decrease relating to prior year tax positions ( 99) 14 ( 85) Increase relating to current year tax positions 126 5 131 Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities ( 44) ( 17) ( 61) Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations ( 66) ( 31) ( 97) Exchange rate differences ( 24) ( 11) ( 35) Balance at December 31, 2018, which would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate 961 239 1,200 Net change due to acquisitions and divestments 11 7 18 Increase relating to prior year tax positions 202 85 287 Decrease relating to prior year tax positions ( 82) ( 63) ( 145) Increase relating to current year tax positions 163 6 169 Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities ( 57) ( 8) ( 65) Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations ( 83) ( 28) ( 111) Exchange rate differences ( 9) ( 5) ( 14) Balance at December 31, 2019, which would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate 1,106 233 1,339 In 2019, 2018 and 2017, the “Increase relating to current year tax positions” included a total of $ 163 million, $ 111 million and $ 193 million, respectively, in taxes related to the interpretation of tax law and double tax treaty agreements by competent tax authorities. In 2019, the “Increase relating to prior year tax positions” is predominantly related to the interpretation of tax law and double tax treaty agreements by competent tax authorities. At December 31, 2019, the Company expected the resolution, within the next twelve months, of unrecognized tax benefits related to pending court cases amounting to $ 76 million for taxes, penalties and interest. Otherwise, the Company had not identified any other significant changes which were considered reasonably possible to occur within the next twelve months. At December 31, 2019, the earliest significant open tax years that remained subject to examination were the following: Region Year Europe 2011 The Americas 2016 Asia, Middle East and Africa 2010

Employee benefits

Employee benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Employee benefits
Employee benefits	Note 17—Employee benefits The Company operates defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution pension plans, and termination indemnity plans, in accordance with local regulations and practices. The Company’s most significant defined benefit pension plans are in Switzerland as well as in Germany, the United Kingdom, the U.S., Sweden and Finland. These plans cover a large portion of the Company’s employees and provide benefits to employees in the event of death, disability, retirement, or termination of employment. Certain of these plans are multi‑employer plans. The Company also operates other postretirement benefit plans including postretirement health care benefits and other employee‑related benefits for active employees including long‑service award plans. The measurement date used for the Company’s employee benefit plans is December 31. The funding policies of the Company’s plans are consistent with the local government and tax requirements. The Company recognizes in its Consolidated Balance Sheets the funded status of its defined benefit pension plans, postretirement plans, and other employee‑related benefits measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan assets and the benefit obligation. Unless otherwise indicated, the following tables include amounts relating to both continuing and discontinued operations. Obligations and funded status of the plans The change in benefit obligation, change in fair value of plan assets, and funded status recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows: Other Defined pension postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Benefit obligations at January 1, 3,993 4,055 7,429 7,892 120 132 Service cost 76 92 113 122 1 1 Interest cost 15 30 174 198 4 4 Contributions by plan participants 75 69 19 16 — — Benefit payments ( 244) ( 239) ( 404) ( 318) ( 10) ( 11) Benefit obligations of businesses acquired (divested) — 10 ( 21) 60 — 8 Actuarial (gain) loss 323 6 617 ( 92) ( 1) ( 12) Plan amendments and other — ( 4) 9 ( 119) ( 5) — Exchange rate differences 70 ( 26) ( 58) ( 330) 1 ( 2) Benefit obligation at December 31, 4,308 3,993 7,878 7,429 110 120 Fair value of plan assets at January 1, 3,879 4,020 5,866 6,514 — — Actual return on plan assets 320 ( 41) 689 ( 184) — — Contributions by employer 91 89 115 152 10 11 Contributions by plan participants 75 69 19 16 — — Benefit payments ( 244) ( 239) ( 404) ( 318) ( 10) ( 11) Plan assets of businesses acquired (divested) — 7 ( 12) 39 — — Plan amendments and other — — — ( 94) — — Exchange rate differences 68 ( 26) ( 27) ( 259) — — Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 4,189 3,879 6,246 5,866 — — Funded status — underfunded ( 119) ( 114) ( 1,632) ( 1,563) ( 110) ( 120) The amounts recognized in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" and "Noncontrolling interests" were: December 31, 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Defined pension Other postretirement ($ in millions) benefits benefits Net actuarial (loss) gain ( 2,777) ( 2,628) ( 2,321) 28 30 20 Prior service credit 62 74 99 13 23 27 Amount recognized in OCI (1) (2) ( 2,715) ( 2,554) ( 2,222) 41 53 47 Taxes associated with amount recognized in OCI and NCI 571 535 503 — — — Amount recognized in OCI and NCI, net of tax (3) ( 2,144) ( 2,019) ( 1,719) 41 53 47 (1) OCI represents “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”. (2) NCI represents “Noncontrolling interests”. (3) NCI, net of tax, amounted to $ 0 million, $( 1) million, and $ 0 million at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. In addition, the following amounts were recognized in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets: December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits ($ in millions) Switzerland International International Overfunded plans 62 24 71 59 — — Underfunded plans — current ( 78) — ( 295) ( 19) ( 14) ( 11) Underfunded plans — non-current ( 103) ( 138) ( 1,408) ( 1,603) ( 96) ( 109) Funded status - underfunded ( 119) ( 114) ( 1,632) ( 1,563) ( 110) ( 120) Amounts reported as assets and liabilities held for sale ( 78) ( 93) ( 277) ( 120) ( 5) — December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Non-current assets Overfunded pension plans 132 83 Other employee-related benefits 1 1 Pension and other employee benefits 133 84 December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Current liabilities Underfunded pension plans ( 374) ( 19) Underfunded other postretirement benefit plans ( 14) ( 11) Other employee-related benefits ( 72) ( 10) Pension and other employee benefits ( 460) ( 40) Amounts reported as Current liabilities held for sale ( 424) ( 4) December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Non-current liabilities Underfunded pension plans ( 1,510) ( 1,741) Underfunded other postretirement benefit plans ( 96) ( 109) Other employee-related benefits ( 186) ( 246) Pension and other employee benefits ( 1,792) ( 2,096) Amounts reported as Non-current liabilities held for sale — ( 266) The accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) for all defined benefit pension plans was $ 11,981 million and $ 11,249 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The projected benefit obligation (PBO), ABO and fair value of plan assets, for pension plans with a PBO in excess of fair value of plan assets or ABO in excess of fair value of plan assets, was: PBO exceeds fair value of plan assets ABO exceeds fair value of plan assets ($ in millions) Switzerland International Switzerland International December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 PBO 3,769 3,482 7,346 6,897 3,769 3,482 7,228 6,872 ABO 3,769 3,482 7,156 6,743 3,769 3,482 7,054 6,724 Fair value of plan assets 3,588 3,344 5,643 5,275 3,588 3,344 5,537 5,254 All of the Company's other postretirement benefit plans are unfunded. Components of net periodic benefit cost Net periodic benefit cost consisted of the following: Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Operational pension cost: Service cost 76 92 106 113 122 122 1 1 1 Operational pension cost 76 92 106 113 122 122 1 1 1 Non-operational pension cost (credit): Interest cost 15 30 41 174 198 208 4 4 5 Expected return on plan assets ( 112) ( 117) ( 112) ( 276) ( 305) ( 295) — — — Amortization of prior service cost (credit) ( 14) ( 15) 10 2 1 1 ( 5) ( 5) ( 5) Amortization of net actuarial loss — — — 108 92 91 ( 3) ( 1) ( 1) Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits 11 — — 27 23 16 ( 10) — ( 1) Non-operational pension cost (credit) ( 100) ( 102) ( 61) 35 9 21 ( 14) ( 2) ( 2) Net periodic benefit cost ( 24) ( 10) 45 148 131 143 ( 13) ( 1) ( 1) The components of net periodic benefit cost other than the service cost component are included in the line “Non-operational pension (cost) credit” in the income statement. Net periodic benefit cost includes $ 47 million, $ 45 million and $ 55 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to discontinued operations. Assumptions The following weighted-average assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations: December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits (in %) Switzerland International International Discount rate 0.2 0.8 2.0 2.8 2.8 3.9 Rate of compensation increase — — 2.2 2.4 0.2 0.2 Rate of pension increase — — 1.3 1.4 — — Cash balance interest credit rate 1.0 1.0 1.6 1.6 — — For the Company’s significant benefit plans, the discount rate used at each measurement date is set based on a high-quality corporate bond yield curve – derived based on bond universe information sourced from reputable third-party index and data providers and rating agencies – reflecting the timing, amount and currency of the future expected benefit payments for the respective plan. Consistent discount rates are used across all plans in each currency zone, based on the duration of the applicable plan(s) in that zone. For plans in the other countries, the discount rate is based on high quality corporate or government bond yields applicable in the respective currency, as appropriate at each measurement date with a duration broadly consistent with the respective plan’s obligations. At the end of 2018, the Company changed the approach used to calculate the service and interest components of net periodic benefit cost for its significant benefit plans to provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs. This change compared to the previous approach resulted in a net decrease in the service and interest components for benefit cost in 2019. Previously, the Company calculated the service and interest cost components utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. The Company has elected to utilize an approach that discounts the individual expected cash flows using the applicable spot rates derived from the yield curve over the projected cash flow period. This change does not affect the measurement of our total benefit obligations. The following weighted‑average assumptions were used to determine the “Net periodic benefit cost”: Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International (in %) 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Discount rate 0.8 0.8 1.1 2.8 2.6 2.9 3.9 3.2 3.3 Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.9 4.9 5.0 — — — Rate of compensation increase — — — 2.4 2.5 2.5 0.2 — — Cash balance interest credit rate 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.6 1.7 1.7 — — — The “Expected long‑term rate of return on plan assets” is derived for each benefit plan by considering the expected future long‑term return assumption for each individual asset class. A single long‑term return assumption is then derived for each plan based upon the plan’s target asset allocation. The Company maintains other postretirement benefit plans, which are generally contributory with participants’ contributions adjusted annually. The assumptions used were: December 31, 2019 2018 Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.3% 6.7% Rate to which the trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) 5.0% 5.0% Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2028 2028 Plan assets The Company has pension plans in various countries with the majority of the Company’s pension liabilities deriving from a limited number of these countries. The pension plans are typically funded by regular contributions from employees and the Company. These plans are typically administered by boards of trustees (which include Company representatives) whose primary responsibilities include ensuring that the plans meet their liabilities through contributions and investment returns. The boards of trustees have the responsibility for making key investment strategy decisions within a risk‑controlled framework. The pension plan assets are invested in diversified portfolios that are managed by third‑party asset managers, in accordance with local statutory regulations, pension plan rules and the respective plans’ investment guidelines, as approved by the boards of trustees. Plan assets are generally segregated from those of the Company and invested with the aim of meeting the respective plans’ projected future pension liabilities. Plan assets are measured at fair value at the balance sheet date. The boards of trustees manage the assets of the pension plans in a risk‑controlled manner and assess the risks embedded in the pension plans through asset/liability management studies. Asset/liability management studies typically take place every three years. However, the risks of the plans are monitored on an ongoing basis. The board of trustees’ investment goal is to maximize the long‑term returns of plan assets within specified risk parameters, while considering the future liabilities and liquidity needs of the individual plans. Risk measures taken into account include the funding ratio of the plan, the likelihood of extraordinary cash contributions being required, the risk embedded in each individual asset class, and the plan asset portfolio as a whole. The Company’s global pension asset allocation is the result of the asset allocations of the individual plans, which are set by the respective boards of trustees. The target asset allocation of the Company’s plans on a weighted‑average basis is as follows: Target (in %) Switzerland International Asset class Equity 19 19 Fixed income 54 64 Real estate 22 7 Other 5 10 Total 100 100 The actual asset allocations of the plans are in line with the target asset allocations. Equity securities primarily includes investments in large‑cap and mid‑cap publicly traded companies. Fixed income assets primarily include corporate bonds of companies from diverse industries and government bonds. Both fixed income and equity assets are invested either via funds or directly in segregated investment mandates, and include an allocation to emerging markets. Real estate consists primarily of investments in real estate in Switzerland held in the Swiss plans. The “Other” asset class includes investments in private equity, hedge funds, commodities, and cash, and reflects a variety of investment strategies. Based on the above global asset allocation and the fair values of the plan assets, the expected long‑term return on assets at December 31, 2019, is 3.8 percent. The Company and the local boards of trustees regularly review the investment performance of the asset classes and individual asset managers. Due to the diversified nature of the investments, the Company is of the opinion that no significant concentration of risks exists in its pension fund assets. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, plan assets include ABB Ltd’s shares (as well as an insignificant amount of the Company’s debt instruments) with a total value of $ 10 million and $ 8 million, respectively. The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets by asset class are presented below. For further information on the fair value hierarchy and an overview of the Company’s valuation techniques applied, see the “Fair value measures” section of Note 2. December 31, 2019 Not subject Total ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 to leveling (1) fair value Asset class Equity Equity securities 224 7 — 231 Mutual funds/commingled funds — 1,687 23 1,710 Emerging market mutual funds/commingled funds — 339 — 339 Fixed income Government and corporate securities 521 1,013 — 1,534 Government and corporate—mutual funds/commingled funds — 3,738 31 3,769 Emerging market bonds—mutual funds/commingled funds — 805 — 805 Real estate — — 1,433 1,433 Insurance contracts — 123 — 123 Cash and short-term investments 101 152 — 253 Private equity — — 211 211 Hedge funds — — 1 1 Commodities — 26 — 26 Total 846 7,890 1,699 10,435 December 31, 2018 Not subject Total ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 to leveling (1) fair value Asset class Equity Equity securities 209 — — 209 Mutual funds/commingled funds — 1,433 39 1,472 Emerging market mutual funds/commingled funds — 363 — 363 Fixed income Government and corporate securities 524 997 — 1,521 Government and corporate—mutual funds/commingled funds — 3,496 — 3,496 Emerging market bonds—mutual funds/commingled funds — 729 — 729 Real estate — — 1,381 1,381 Insurance contracts — 121 — 121 Cash and short-term investments 202 86 — 288 Private equity — — 139 139 Hedge funds — — 2 2 Commodities — 24 — 24 Total 935 7,249 1,561 9,745 (1) Amounts relate to assets measured using the NAV practical expedient which are not subject to leveling. The Company applies accounting guidance related to the presentation of certain investments using the net asset value (NAV) practical expedient. This accounting guidance exempts investments using this practical expedient from categorization within the fair value hierarchy. Contributions Employer contributions were as follows: Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Total contributions to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans 91 89 115 152 10 11 Of which, discretionary contributions to defined benefit pension plans 2 — 8 25 — — In 2019, 2018 and 2017, total contributions included non‑cash contributions totaling $ 13 million, $ 31 million and $ 31 million, respectively, of available‑for‑sale debt securities to certain of the Company’s pension plans. The Company expects to contribute approximately $ 356 million, including $ 167 million in discretionary contributions, to its defined benefit pension plans in 2020. Of these discretionary contributions $ 156 million are expected to be non‑cash contributions. The Company expects to contribute approximately $ 10 million to its other postretirement benefit plans in 2020. The Company also contributes to a number of defined contribution plans. The aggregate expense for these plans was $ 245 million, $ 245 million and $ 233 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Contributions to multi‑employer plans were not significant in 2019, 2018 and 2017. Defined contribution expense includes $ 55 million, $ 59 million and $ 61 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to discontinued operations. Estimated future benefit payments The expected future cash flows to be paid by the Company’s plans in respect of pension and other postretirement benefit plans at December 31, 2019, are as follows: Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits ($ in millions) Switzerland International International 2020 335 341 10 2021 254 347 9 2022 239 346 9 2023 226 343 9 2024 215 344 8 Years 2025 - 2029 961 1,727 34

Share-based payment arrangement

Share-based payment arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based payment arrangements
Share-based payment arrangements	Note 18—Share­based payment arrangements The Company has three principal share‑based payment plans, as more fully described in the respective sections below. Compensation cost for equity‑settled awards is recorded in “Total cost of sales” and in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” and totaled $ 46 million, $ 50 million and $ 49 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Compensation cost for cash‑settled awards is recorded in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” and is disclosed in the “WARs”, “LTIP” and “Other share‑based payments” sections of this note. The total tax benefit recognized in 2019, 2018 and 2017 was not significant. At December 31, 2019, the Company had the ability to issue up to 94 million new shares out of contingent capital in connection with share‑based payment arrangements. In addition, 35 million shares held by the Company as treasury stock at December 31, 2019, could be used to settle share‑based payment arrangements. As the primary trading market for the shares of ABB Ltd is the SIX Swiss Exchange (on which the shares are traded in Swiss francs) and substantially all the share‑based payment arrangements with employees are based on the Swiss franc share or have strike prices set in Swiss francs, certain data disclosed below related to the instruments granted under share‑based payment arrangements are presented in Swiss francs. MIP Under the MIP, the Company offers options and cash‑settled WARs to key employees for no consideration. The options granted under the MIP allow participants to purchase shares of ABB Ltd at predetermined prices. Participants may sell the options rather than exercise the right to purchase shares. Equivalent warrants are listed by a third‑party bank on the SIX Swiss Exchange, which facilitates pricing and transferability of options granted under this plan. The options entitle the holder to request that the third‑party bank purchase such options at the market price of equivalent listed warrants related to that MIP launch. If the participant elects to sell the options, the options will thereafter be held by a third party and, consequently, the Company’s obligation to deliver shares will be toward this third party. Each WAR gives the participant the right to receive, in cash, the market price of an equivalent listed warrant on the date of exercise of the WAR. Participants may exercise or sell options and exercise WARs after the vesting period, which is three years from the date of grant. All options and WARs expire six years from the date of grant. Options The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using a lattice model that uses the assumptions noted in the table below. Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities from equivalent listed warrants on ABB Ltd shares. The expected term of the options granted is the contractual six‑year six‑year six‑year 2019 2018 2017 Expected volatility 19% 17% 19% Dividend yield 4.7% 3.1% 4.7% Expected term 6 years 6 years 6 years Risk-free interest rate - 0.9% - 0.1% - 0.1% Presented below is a summary of the activity related to options under the MIP: Weighted- Weighted- Aggregate average average intrinsic exercise remaining value Number of Number of price contractual (in millions options shares (in Swiss term of Swiss (in millions) (in millions) (1) francs) (2) (in years) francs) (3) Outstanding at January 1, 2019 444.9 89.0 21.54 Granted 63.5 12.7 19.00 Forfeited ( 9.9) ( 2.0) 22.87 Expired ( 81.0) ( 16.2) 21.50 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 417.6 83.5 21.13 3.0 189 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019 413.6 82.7 21.15 3.0 185 Exercisable at December 31, 2019 239.6 47.9 20.78 1.8 124 (1) Information presented reflects the number of ABB Ltd shares that can be received upon exercise, as options have a conversion ratio of 5:1. (2) Information presented reflects the exercise price per ABB Ltd share. (3) Computed using the closing price, in Swiss francs, of ABB Ltd shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the exercise price of each option in Swiss francs. At December 31, 2019, there was $ 39 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non‑vested options granted under the MIP. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted‑average period of 2.0 years 0.34 Swiss francs, 0.46 Swiss francs and 0.47 Swiss francs, respectively. In 2018 and 2017, the aggregate intrinsic value (on the date of exercise) of options exercised was $ 13 million and $ 38 million, respectively, while the amount in 2019 was not significant. Presented below is a summary, by launch, related to options outstanding at December 31, 2019: Weighted- average Number of Number of remaining options shares contractual Exercise price (in Swiss francs) (1) (in millions) (in millions) (2) term (in years) 21.00 72.3 14.5 0.7 19.50 78.1 15.6 1.6 21.50 72.7 14.5 2.7 22.50 66.1 13.2 3.6 23.50 65.0 13.0 4.7 19.00 63.4 12.7 5.7 Total number of options and shares 417.6 83.5 3.0 (1) Information presented reflects the exercise price per share of ABB Ltd. (2) Information presented reflects the number of shares of ABB Ltd that can be received upon exercise. WARs As each WAR gives the holder the right to receive cash equal to the market price of the equivalent listed warrant on date of exercise, the Company records a liability based upon the fair value of outstanding WARs at each period end, accreted on a straight‑line basis over the three‑year 14 million in 2018 and an expense of $ 19 million in 2017, as a result of changes in both the fair value and vested portion of the outstanding WARs. The amount in 2019 was not significant. To hedge its exposure to fluctuations in the fair value of outstanding WARs, the Company purchased cash‑settled call options, which entitle the Company to receive amounts equivalent to its obligations under the outstanding WARs. The cash‑settled call options are recorded as derivatives measured at fair value (see Note 6), with subsequent changes in fair value recorded in earnings to the extent that they offset the change in fair value of the liability for the WARs. In “Selling, general and administrative expenses”, the Company recorded an expense of $ 18 million in 2018 and income of $ 15 million in 2017, related to the cash‑settled call options. The amount in 2019 was not significant. The aggregate fair value of outstanding WARs was $ 26 million and $ 6 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The fair value of WARs was determined based upon the trading price of equivalent warrants listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Presented below is a summary of the activity related to WARs: Number of WARs (in millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2019 41.2 Granted 10.9 Exercised ( 8.9) Forfeited ( 0.3) Expired ( 3.0) Outstanding at December 31, 2019 39.9 Exercisable at December 31, 2019 11.5 The aggregate fair value at date of grant of WARs granted in 2019, 2018 and 2017 was not significant. In 2018 and 2017, share‑based liabilities of $ 6 million and $ 10 million, respectively, were paid upon exercise of WARs by participants. The amount in 2019 is not significant. ESAP The employee share acquisition plan (ESAP) is an employee stock‑option plan with a savings feature. Employees save over a twelve‑month one registered share of the Company) at the exercise price set at the grant date, or have their savings returned with any interest. The savings are accumulated in bank accounts held by a third‑party trustee on behalf of the participants and earn interest, where applicable. Employees can withdraw from the ESAP at any time during the savings period and will be entitled to a refund of their accumulated savings. The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the same option valuation model as described under the MIP, using the assumptions noted in the table below. The expected term of the option granted has been determined to be the contractual one‑year one‑year one‑year 2019 2018 2017 Expected volatility 18% 19% 17% Dividend yield 4.1% 4.1% 3.1% Expected term 1 year 1 year 1 year Risk-free interest rate - 0.7% - 0.6% - 0.6% Presented below is a summary of activity under the ESAP: Weighted- Weighted- Aggregate average average intrinsic exercise remaining value Number of price contractual (in millions shares (in Swiss term of Swiss (in millions) (1) francs) (2) (in years) francs) (2)(3) Outstanding at January 1, 2019 3.6 20.38 Granted 2.3 20.78 Forfeited ( 0.3) 20.38 Exercised (4) ( 0.5) 20.38 Not exercised (savings returned plus interest) ( 2.8) 20.38 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 2.3 20.78 0.8 6.0 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019 2.2 20.78 0.8 5.7 Exercisable at December 31, 2019 — — — — (1) Includes shares represented by ADS. (2) Information presented for ADS is based on equivalent Swiss franc denominated awards. (3) Computed using the closing price, in Swiss francs, of ABB Ltd shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the exercise price of each option in Swiss francs. (4) The cash received upon exercise was approximately $ 10 million. The shares were delivered out of treasury stock. The exercise prices per ABB Ltd share and per ADS of 20.78 Swiss francs and $ 21.17, respectively, for the 2019 grant, 20.38 Swiss francs and $ 20.37, respectively, for the 2018 grant, and 26.26 Swiss francs and $ 26.24, respectively, for the 2017 grant were determined using the closing price of the ABB Ltd share on the SIX Swiss Exchange and ADS on the New York Stock Exchange on the respective grant dates. At December 31, 2019, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non‑vested options granted under the ESAP was not significant. The weighted‑average grant‑date fair value (per option) of options granted during 2019, 2018 and 2017 was 1.05 Swiss francs, 1.10 Swiss francs and 1.37 Swiss francs, respectively. The total intrinsic value (on the date of exercise) of options exercised in 2017 was $ 17 million, while in 2019 and 2018 it was not significant. LTIP The Company has a long‑term incentive plan (LTIP) for members of its Executive Committee and selected other senior executives (Eligible Participants), as defined in the terms of the LTIP. The LTIP involves annual conditional grants of the Company’s stock to such Eligible Participants that are subject to certain conditions. The ultimate amount delivered under the LTIP is based on achieving certain results against targets, as set out below, over a three-year The 2019 and 2018 LTIP launches are composed of a performance component, based on the Company’s earnings per share performance, and a market component, based on the Company’s relative total shareholder return. The 2017 LTIP launch is composed of two performance components: (i) a component which is based on the average percentage achievement of income from continuing operations, net of tax, versus budget and (ii) a component which is based on the Company’s earnings per share performance. For the relative total shareholder return component of the 2019 and 2018 LTIP launches, the actual number of shares that will be delivered at a future date is based on the Company’s total shareholder return performance relative to a peer group of companies over a three-year period starting with the year of grant. The actual number of shares that will ultimately be delivered will vary depending on the relative total shareholder return outcome achieved between a lower threshold (no shares delivered) and an upper threshold (the number of shares delivered is capped at 200 percent of the conditional grant). For the average percentage achievement of income versus budget component of the 2017 LTIP launch, the actual number of shares that will be delivered at a future date is dependent on the average percentage (of each year in a three-year 150 percent of the conditional grant). For the earnings per share performance component of the 2019 and 2018 LTIP launches, the actual number of shares that will be delivered at a future date is based on the Company’s average earnings per share over three three 33 percent of the first year’s result, 67 percent of the second year’s result and 100 percent of the third year’s result. Under all LTIP launches, the actual number of shares that will ultimately be delivered will vary depending on the earnings per share outcome as computed under each LTIP launch, interpolated between a lower threshold (no shares delivered) and an upper threshold (the number of shares delivered is capped at 200 percent of the conditional grant). Under each component of the 2019 and 2018 LTIP launches, an Eligible Participant receives 65 percent of the shares that have vested in the form of shares and 35 percent of the value of the shares that have vested in cash, with the possibility to elect to also receive the 35 percent portion in shares rather than in cash. Under each component of the 2017 LTIP launch, an Eligible Participant receives 70 percent of the shares that have vested in the form of shares and 30 percent of the value of the shares that have vested in cash, with the possibility to elect to also receive the 30 percent portion in shares rather than in cash. In addition, for certain awards to vest, the Eligible Participant has to fulfill a three-year Presented below is a summary of activity under the LTIP: Weighted-average Number of Shares grant-date Conditionally Granted fair value per share (in millions) (Swiss francs) Nonvested at January 1, 2019 1.3 21.61 Granted 1.1 15.94 Vested ( 1.1) 18.49 Forfeited ( 0.3) 19.68 Nonvested at December 31, 2019 1.0 19.26 Equity‑settled awards are recorded in the “Additional paid‑in capital” component of stockholders’ equity, with compensation cost recorded in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” over the vesting period (which is from grant date to the end of the vesting period) based on the grant‑date fair value of the shares. Cash‑settled awards are recorded as a liability, remeasured at fair value at each reporting date for the percentage vested, with changes in the liability recorded in “Selling, general and administrative expenses”. At December 31, 2019, total unrecognized compensation cost related to equity‑settled awards under the LTIP was not significant. The compensation cost recorded in 2019, 2018 and 2017 for cash‑settled awards was not significant. The aggregate fair value, at the dates of grant, of shares granted in 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $ 18 million, $ 19 million and $ 22 million, respectively. The total grant‑date fair value of shares that vested during 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $ 21 million, $ 17 million and $ 22 million, respectively. The weighted‑average grant‑date fair value (per share) of shares granted during 2019, 2018 and 2017 was 15.94 Swiss francs, 21.97 Swiss francs and 22.13 Swiss francs, respectively. For the relative total shareholder return component of the 2019 and 2018 LTIP launches, the fair value of granted shares at grant date, for equity‑settled awards, and at each reporting date, for cash‑settled awards, is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The main inputs to this model are the Company’s share price and dividend yield, the volatility of the Company’s and the peer group’s share price as well as the correlation between the peer companies. For the average percentage achievement of income versus budget component of the 2017 LTIP launch the fair value of granted shares is based on the market price of the ABB Ltd share at grant date for equity‑settled awards and at each reporting date for cash‑settled awards, as well as the probable outcome of the average percentage achievement of income versus budget, as computed using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The main inputs to this model are the Company’s and external financial analysts’ revenue growth rates and Operational EBITA margin expectations. For the earnings per share component of the LTIP launches, the fair value of granted shares is based on the market price of the ABB Ltd share at grant date for equity‑settled awards and at each reporting date for cash‑settled awards, as well as the probable outcome of the earnings per share achievement, as computed using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The main inputs to this model are the Company’s and external financial analysts’ revenue growth rates and Operational EBITA margin expectations. Other share‑based payments The Company has other minor share‑based payment arrangements with certain employees. The compensation cost related to these arrangements in 2019, 2018 and 2017 was not significant.

Stockholders' equity

Stockholders' equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' equity
Stockholders' equity	Note 19—Stockholders' equity At both December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had 2,672 million authorized shares, of which 2,168 million were registered and issued. At the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) in May 2019, shareholders approved the proposal of the Board of Directors to distribute a total of 0.80 Swiss francs per share. The approved dividend distribution amounted to $ 1,675 million and was paid in May 2019. At the AGM in March 2018, shareholders approved the proposal of the Board of Directors to distribute a total of 0.78 Swiss francs per share. The approved dividend distribution amounted to $ 1,736 million and was paid in April 2018. At the AGM in April 2017, shareholders approved the proposal of the Board of Directors to distribute a total of 0.76 Swiss francs per share. The approved dividend distribution amounted to $ 1,622 million and was paid in April 2017. In the first quarter of 2018, the Company purchased on the open market an aggregate of 10 million of its own shares to be available for delivery under its employee share programs. These transactions resulted in an increase in Treasury stock of $ 249 million. In the second quarter of 2017, the Company purchased on the open market an aggregate of 10 million of its own shares to be available for delivery under its employee share programs. These transactions resulted in an increase in Treasury stock of $ 251 million. At the AGM in April 2017, shareholders approved the proposal of the Board of Directors to reduce the share capital of the Company by cancelling 46,595,000 treasury shares which were acquired under a $ 4 billion share buyback program (executed between September 2014 and September 2016). This cancellation was completed in July 2017, resulting in a decrease in Treasury stock of $ 953 million and a corresponding combined decrease in Capital stock, Additional paid‑in capital and Retained earnings. Upon and in connection with each launch of the Company’s MIP, the Company sold call options to a bank at fair value, giving the bank the right to acquire shares equivalent to the number of shares represented by the MIP WAR awards to participants. Under the terms of the agreement with the bank, the call options can only be exercised by the bank to the extent that MIP participants have exercised their WARs. At December 31, 2019, such call options representing 11.8 million shares and with strike prices ranging from 19.00 to 23.50 Swiss francs (weighted‑average strike price of 21.11 Swiss francs) were held by the bank. The call options expire in periods ranging from August 2020 to August 2025. However, only 3.9 million of these instruments, with strike prices ranging from 19.50 to 23.50 Swiss francs (weighted‑average strike price of 20.69 Swiss francs), could be exercised at December 31, 2019, under the terms of the agreement with the bank. In addition to the above, at December 31, 2019, the Company had further outstanding obligations to deliver: • up to 14.5 million shares relating to the options granted under the 2014 launch of the MIP, with a strike price of 21.00 Swiss francs, vested in August 2017 and expiring in August 2020, • up to 15.6 million shares relating to the options granted under the 2015 launch of the MIP, with a strike price of 19.50 Swiss francs, vested in August 2018 and expiring in August 2021, • up to 14.5 million shares relating to the options granted under the 2016 launch of the MIP, with a strike price of 21.50 Swiss francs, vested in August 2019 and expiring in August 2022, • up to 13.2 million shares relating to the options granted under the 2017 launch of the MIP, with a strike price of 22.50 Swiss francs, vesting in August 2020 and expiring in August 2023, • up to 13.0 million shares relating to the options granted under the 2018 launch of the MIP, with a strike price of 23.50 Swiss francs, vesting in August 2021 and expiring in August 2024, • up to 12.7 million shares relating to the options granted under the 2019 launch of the MIP, with a strike price of 19.00 Swiss francs, vesting in August 2022 and expiring in August 2025, • up to 2.3 million shares relating to the ESAP, vesting and expiring in October 2020, • up to 4.7 million shares to Eligible Participants under the 2019, 2018 and 2017 launches of the LTIP, vesting and expiring in May 2022, April 2021 and June 2020, respectively, and • approximately 1 million shares in connection with certain other share‑based payment arrangements with employees. See Note 18 for a description of the above share‑based payment arrangements. In 2018 and 2017, the Company delivered 2.4 million and 6.3 million shares, respectively, out of treasury stock, for options exercised in relation to the MIP, while in 2019 the amount was not significant. In addition, in 2019 and 2017 the Company delivered 0.5 million and 2.8 million shares from treasury stock under the ESAP. No shares were delivered in 2018 under the ESAP. Amounts available to be distributed as dividends to the stockholders of ABB Ltd are based on the requirements of Swiss law and ABB Ltd’s Articles of Incorporation, and are determined based on amounts presented in the unconsolidated financial statements of ABB Ltd, prepared in accordance with Swiss law. At December 31, 2019, the total unconsolidated stockholders’ equity of ABB Ltd was 8,420 million Swiss francs ($ 8,696 million), including 260 million Swiss francs ($ 269 million) representing share capital, 8,920 million Swiss francs ($ 9,212 million) representing reserves and 760 million Swiss francs ($ 785 million) representing a reduction of equity for own shares (treasury stock). Of the reserves, 760 million Swiss francs ($ 785 million) relating to own shares and 52 million Swiss francs ($ 54 million) representing 20 percent of share capital, are restricted and not available for distribution. In February 2020, the Company announced that a proposal will be put to the 2020 AGM for approval by the shareholders to distribute 0.80 Swiss francs per share to shareholders.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings per share
Earnings per share	Note 20—Earnings per share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted‑average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted‑average number of shares outstanding during the year, assuming that all potentially dilutive securities were exercised, if dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities comprise outstanding written call options and outstanding options and shares granted subject to certain conditions under the Company’s share‑based payment arrangements. In 2019, 2018 and 2017, outstanding securities representing a maximum of 81 million, 88 million and 31 million shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their inclusion would have been antidilutive. Basic earnings per share: ($ in millions, except per share data in $) 2019 2018 2017 Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders: Income from continuing operations, net of tax 1,043 1,514 1,441 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 396 659 772 Net income 1,439 2,173 2,213 Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,133 2,132 2,138 Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders: Income from continuing operations, net of tax 0.49 0.71 0.67 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 0.19 0.31 0.36 Net income 0.67 1.02 1.04 Diluted earnings per share: ($ in millions, except per share data in $) 2019 2018 2017 Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders: Income from continuing operations, net of tax 1,043 1,514 1,441 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 396 659 772 Net income 1,439 2,173 2,213 Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,133 2,132 2,138 Effect of dilutive securities: Call options and shares 2 7 10 Adjusted weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,135 2,139 2,148 Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders: Income from continuing operations, net of tax 0.49 0.71 0.67 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 0.19 0.31 0.36 Net income 0.67 1.02 1.03

Other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income	Note 21—Other Comprehensive Income The following table includes amounts recorded within “Total other comprehensive income (loss)” including the related income tax effects: 2019 2018 2017 Before Tax Net of Before Tax Net of Before Tax Net of ($ in millions) tax effect tax tax effect tax tax effect tax Foreign currency translation adjustments: Foreign currency translation adjustments ( 130) — ( 130) ( 641) 14 ( 627) 911 1 912 Gain on liquidation of foreign subsidiary — — — ( 31) — ( 31) — — — Changes attributable to divestments (1) ( 2) — ( 2) 12 — 12 12 — 12 Net change during the year ( 132) — ( 132) ( 660) 14 ( 646) 923 1 924 Available-for-sale securities: Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year 16 ( 2) 14 ( 5) 1 ( 4) 1 — 1 Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income 1 ( 1) — 1 — 1 — — — Net change during the year 17 ( 3) 14 ( 4) 1 ( 3) 1 — 1 Pension and other postretirement plans: Prior service (costs) credits arising during the year 3 3 6 ( 11) 4 ( 7) ( 20) 4 ( 16) Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the year ( 293) 73 ( 220) ( 411) 59 ( 352) ( 184) 45 ( 139) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net income ( 25) ( 3) ( 28) ( 19) ( 5) ( 24) 6 — 6 Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income 99 ( 31) 68 91 ( 22) 69 90 ( 27) 63 Net losses from pension settlements included in net income 38 ( 6) 32 23 ( 4) 19 13 ( 4) 9 Changes attributable to divestments (1) — — — — — — 8 ( 2) 6 Net change during the year ( 178) 36 ( 142) ( 327) 32 ( 295) ( 87) 16 ( 71) Cash flow hedge derivatives: Net gains (losses) arising during the year 20 — 20 ( 51) 2 ( 49) 45 ( 7) 38 Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income ( 9) — ( 9) 20 1 21 ( 26) 4 ( 22) Changes attributable to divestments (1) — — — — — — ( 4) 1 ( 3) Net change during the year 11 — 11 ( 31) 3 ( 28) 15 ( 2) 13 Total other comprehensive income (loss) ( 282) 33 ( 249) ( 1,022) 50 ( 972) 852 15 867 (1) Includes adjustments to the initial purchase price allocation recorded during the measurement period. a The following table shows changes in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (OCI) attributable to ABB, by component, net of tax: Unrealized Pension and Unrealized Foreign gains (losses) other post- gains (losses) Accumulated currency on available- retirement of cash other translation for-sale plan flow hedge comprehensive ($ in millions) adjustments securities adjustments derivatives loss Balance at January 1, 2017 ( 3,592) 7 ( 1,601) ( 1) ( 5,187) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications 912 1 ( 155) 38 796 Amounts reclassified from OCI — — 78 ( 22) 56 Changes attributable to divestments 12 — 6 ( 3) 15 Total other comprehensive (loss) income 924 1 ( 71) 13 867 Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests 25 — — — 25 Balance at December 31, 2017 ( 2,693) 8 ( 1,672) 12 ( 4,345) Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles (1) — ( 9) — — ( 9) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications ( 627) ( 4) ( 359) ( 49) ( 1,039) Amounts reclassified from OCI ( 31) 1 64 21 55 Changes attributable to divestments 12 — — — 12 Total other comprehensive (loss) income ( 646) ( 3) ( 295) ( 28) ( 972) Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests ( 15) — — — ( 15) Balance at December 31, 2018 ( 3,324) ( 4) ( 1,967) ( 16) ( 5,311) Adoption of an accounting standard update (2) — — ( 36) — ( 36) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications ( 130) 14 ( 214) 20 ( 310) Amounts reclassified from OCI — — 72 ( 9) 63 Changes attributable to divestments ( 2) — — — ( 2) Total other comprehensive (loss) income ( 132) 14 ( 142) 11 ( 249) Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests ( 6) — — — ( 6) Balance at December 31, 2019 ( 3,450) 10 ( 2,145) ( 5) ( 5,590) (1) Amounts relate to the adoption of two accounting standard updates in 2018 regarding the Recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities and Revenue from contracts with customers. (2) Amounts relate to the adoption of an accounting standard update in 2019 regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. See “Applicable for current periods” section of Note 2 for more details. The following table reflects amounts reclassified out of OCI in respect of Foreign currency translation adjustments and Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments: ($ in millions) Location of (gains) losses Details about OCI components reclassified from OCI 2019 2018 2017 Foreign currency translation adjustments: Gain on liquidation of foreign subsidiary Other income (expense), net — ( 31) — Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments: Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Non-operational pension (cost) credit (1) ( 25) ( 19) 6 Amortization of net actuarial loss Non-operational pension (cost) credit (1) 99 91 90 Net losses from pension settlements Non-operational pension (cost) credit (1) 38 23 13 Total before tax 112 95 109 Tax Provision for taxes ( 40) ( 31) ( 31) Amounts reclassified from OCI 72 64 78 (1) Amounts include a total of $ 6 million, $ 12 million and $ 9 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, reclassified from OCI to Income from discontinued operations. The amounts reclassified out of OCI in respect of Unrealized gains (losses) on available‑for‑sale securities and Unrealized gains (losses) of cash flow hedge derivatives were not significant in 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Restructuring and related expen

Restructuring and related expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring and related expenses
Restructuring and related expenses	Note 22—Restructuring and related expenses OS program In December 2018, the Company announced a two-year restructuring program with the objective of simplifying its business model and structure through the implementation of a new organizational structure driven by its Businesses. The program includes the planned elimination of the country and regional structures within the current matrix organization, including the elimination of the three regional Executive Committee roles. The Businesses will each be responsible for both their customer-facing activities and business support functions, while the remaining Group-level corporate activities will primarily focus on Group strategy, portfolio and performance management, capital allocation, core technologies and the ABB Ability TM two years and incur restructuring expenses of $ 350 million, primarily relating to employee severance costs. The following table outlines the costs incurred in 2019 and 2018, the cumulative costs incurred to date and the total amount of costs expected to be incurred under the program per operating segment: Cumulative costs Costs incurred in (1) incurred up to Total ($ in millions) 2019 2018 December 31, 2019 (1) expected costs (1) Electrification 18 32 50 80 Industrial Automation 3 21 24 40 Motion 6 1 7 50 Robotics & Discrete Automation 8 — 8 20 Corporate and Other 54 11 65 160 Total 89 65 154 350 (1) Amounts in the table above have been recast to reflect the reorganization of the Company’s operating segments in 2019 as outlined in Note 23. The Company recorded the following expenses, net of change in estimates, under this program: Cumulative costs Costs incurred in incurred up to ($ in millions) 2019 2018 December 31, 2019 Employee severance costs 81 65 146 Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs 1 — 1 Inventory and long-lived asset impairments 7 — 7 Total 89 65 154 Restructuring expenses recorded for this program are included in the following line items in the Consolidated Income Statements: ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Total cost of sales 8 35 Selling, general and administrative expenses 46 23 Non-order related research and development expenses 1 3 Other income (expense), net 34 4 Total 89 65 Liabilities associated with the OS program are primarily included in “Other provisions”. The following table shows the activity from the beginning of the program to December 31, 2019: Contract settlement, Employee loss order ($ in millions) severance costs and other costs Total Liability at January 1, 2018 — — — Expenses 65 — 65 Liability at December 31, 2018 65 — 65 Expenses 111 1 112 Cash payments ( 44) ( 1) ( 45) Change in estimates ( 30) — ( 30) Exchange rate differences ( 3) — ( 3) Liability at December 31, 2019 99 — 99 White Collar Productivity program From September 2015 to December 2017, the Company executed a restructuring program to make the Company leaner, faster and more customer-focused. The program involved the rapid expansion and use of regional shared service centers as well as a streamlining of global operations and head office functions, with business units moving closer to their respective key markets. The program involved various restructuring initiatives across all operating segments and regions. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had incurred substantially all costs related to the White Collar Productivity program. The following table shows the activity from the beginning of the program to December 31, 2018: Contract settlement, Employee loss order ($ in millions) severance costs and other costs Total Liability at January 1, 2015 — — — Expenses 300 3 303 Cash payments ( 27) — ( 27) Liability at December 31, 2015 273 3 276 Expenses 182 3 185 Cash payments ( 91) ( 2) ( 93) Change in estimates ( 85) ( 1) ( 86) Exchange rate differences ( 17) ( 1) ( 18) Liability at December 31, 2016 262 2 264 Expenses 28 3 31 Cash payments ( 92) ( 4) ( 96) Change in estimates ( 118) — ( 118) Exchange rate differences 21 — 21 Liability at December 31, 2017 101 1 102 Cash payments ( 55) — ( 55) Change in estimates and exchange rate differences ( 13) — ( 13) Liability at December 31, 2018 33 1 34 The change in estimates during 2017 of $ 118 million is mainly due to higher than expected rates of attrition and internal redeployment. The reduction in the liability was recorded in income from operations, primarily as reductions in “Total cost of sales” of $ 53 million and in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” of $ 55 million. The change in estimates during 2016 of $ 86 million is due to significantly higher than expected rates of attrition and internal redeployment and a lower than expected severance cost per employee for the employee groups affected by the first phase of restructuring initiated in 2015. The following table outlines the net costs incurred in 2017 and the cumulative net costs incurred up to December 31, 2017: Cumulative costs Net costs incurred in incurred up to ($ in millions) 2017 (1) December 31, 2017 (1) Electrification ( 17) 72 Industrial Automation ( 23) 106 Motion ( 10) 42 Robotics & Discrete Automation ( 4) 14 Corporate and Other ( 32) 91 Total ( 86) 325 (1) Amounts in the table above have been recast to reflect the reorganization of the Company’s operating segments in 2019 as outlined in Note 23. The Company recorded the following expenses, net of changes in estimates, under this program: Cumulative costs incurred up to ($ in millions) 2017 December 31, 2017 Employee severance costs ( 90) 307 Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs 3 8 Inventory and long-lived asset impairments 1 10 Total ( 86) 325 Expenses, net of changes in estimates, associated with this program are recorded in the following line items in the Consolidated Income Statements: ($ in millions) 2017 Total cost of sales ( 47) Selling, general and administrative expenses ( 35) Non-order related research and development expenses ( 5) Other income (expense), net 1 Total ( 86) Other restructuring-related activities In 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company executed various other restructuring‑related activities and incurred charges of $ 114 million, $ 116 million and $ 181 million, respectively. ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Employee severance costs 55 74 130 Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs 37 29 32 Inventory and long-lived asset impairments 22 13 19 Total 114 116 181 Expenses associated with these activities are recorded in the following line items in the Consolidated Income Statements: ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Total cost of sales 46 24 119 Selling, general and administrative expenses 4 52 10 Non-order related research and development expenses — 2 — Other income (expense), net 64 38 52 Total 114 116 181 At December 31, 2019 and 2018, $ 189 million and $ 245 million, respectively, was recorded for other restructuring-related liabilities and is primarily included in “Other provisions”.

Operating segment and geographi

Operating segment and geographic data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating segment and geographic data
Operating segment and geographic data	Note 23—Operating segment and geographic data The Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) is the Chief Executive Officer. The CODM allocates resources to and assesses the performance of each operating segment using the information outlined below. The Company is organized into operating segments based on products and services and these operating segments consist of Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics & Discrete Automation. The remaining operations of the Company are included in Corporate and Other. Effective April 1, 2019, the Company announced a reorganization of its operating segments into four customer-focused, entrepreneurial businesses. The Electrification Products segment was renamed the Electrification segment. The Industrial Automation segment remains unchanged except that it now excludes the Machine and Factory Automation business line, which has been transferred, along with the Robotics business line from the former Robotics and Motion segment, to the new Robotics & Discrete Automation segment. The new Motion segment contains the remaining business lines of the former Robotics and Motion segment. The segment information for 2018 and 2017, and at December 31, 2018 and 2017, has been recast to reflect these changes. In addition, the segment level information for restructuring and related expenses included in Note 22 has been recast to reflect these changes. A description of the types of products and services provided by each reportable segment is as follows: • Electrification: manufactures and sells products and solutions which are designed to provide smarter and safer electrical flow from the substation to the socket. The portfolio of increasingly digital and connected solutions includes electric vehicle charging infrastructure, solar power solutions, modular substation packages, distribution automation products, switchboard and panelboards, switchgear, UPS solutions, circuit breakers, measuring and sensing devices, control products, wiring accessories, enclosures and cabling systems and intelligent home and building solutions, designed to integrate and automate lighting, heating, ventilation, security and data communication networks. • Industrial Automation: develops and sells integrated automation and electrification systems and solutions, such as process and discrete control solutions, advanced process control software and manufacturing execution systems, sensing, measurement and analytical instrumentation and solutions, electric ship propulsion systems, as well as large turbochargers. In addition, the business offers a comprehensive range of services ranging from repair to advanced services such as remote monitoring, preventive maintenance and cybersecurity services. • Motion: manufactures and sells motors, generators, drives, wind converters, mechanical power transmissions, complete electrical powertrain systems and related services and digital solutions for a wide range of applications in industry, transportation, infrastructure, and utilities. • Robotics & Discrete Automation: develops and sells robotics and machinery automation solutions, including robots, controllers, software, function packages, cells, programmable logic controllers (PLC), industrial PCs (IPC), servo motion, engineered manufacturing solutions, turn-key solutions and collaborative robot solutions for a wide range of applications. In addition, the business offers a comprehensive range of digital solutions as well as field and after sales service. • Corporate and Other: includes headquarters, central research and development, the Company’s real estate activities, Corporate Treasury Operations, historical operating activities of certain divested businesses and other non-core operating activities. The primary measure of profitability on which the operating segments are evaluated is Operational EBITA, which represents income from operations excluding: • amortization expense on intangibles arising upon acquisitions (acquisition-related amortization), • restructuring, related and implementation costs, • changes in the amount recorded for obligations related to divested businesses occurring after the divestment date (changes in obligations related to divested businesses), • changes in estimates relating to opening balance sheets of acquired businesses (changes in pre-acquisition estimates), • gains and losses from sale of businesses (including fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale), • acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs, • certain other non-operational items, as well as • foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations consisting of: (a) unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange, commodities, embedded derivatives), (b) realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged transaction has not yet been realized, and (c) unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and related assets/liabilities). Certain other non-operational items generally includes: certain regulatory, compliance and legal costs, certain asset write downs/impairments as well as other items which are determined by management on a case‑by‑case basis. The CODM primarily reviews the results of each segment on a basis that is before the elimination of profits made on inventory sales between segments. Segment results below are presented before these eliminations, with a total deduction for intersegment profits to arrive at the Company’s consolidated Operational EBITA. Intersegment sales and transfers are accounted for as if the sales and transfers were to third parties, at current market prices. The following tables present disaggregated segment revenues from contracts with customers for 2019, 2018 and 2017. 2019 ($ in millions) Electrification Industrial Automation Motion Robotics & Discrete Automation Corporate and Other Total Geographical markets Europe 4,039 2,416 1,879 1,634 36 10,004 The Americas 4,568 1,582 2,315 453 1 8,919 Asia, Middle East and Africa 3,665 2,153 1,827 1,157 40 8,842 12,272 6,151 6,021 3,244 77 27,765 End Customer Markets Utilities 2,355 1,057 696 — 18 4,126 Industry 4,798 3,606 3,890 3,165 35 15,494 Transport and infrastructure 5,119 1,488 1,435 79 24 8,145 12,272 6,151 6,021 3,244 77 27,765 Product type Products 10,315 1,439 5,152 1,785 65 18,756 Systems 958 1,648 — 968 12 3,586 Services and software 999 3,064 869 491 — 5,423 12,272 6,151 6,021 3,244 77 27,765 Third-party revenues 12,272 6,151 6,021 3,244 77 27,765 Intersegment revenues (1) 456 122 512 70 ( 947) 213 Total Revenues 12,728 6,273 6,533 3,314 ( 870) 27,978 2018 ($ in millions) Electrification Industrial Automation Motion Robotics & Discrete Automation Corporate and Other Total Geographical markets Europe 3,881 2,475 1,862 1,737 58 10,013 The Americas 3,650 1,467 2,389 476 21 8,003 Asia, Middle East and Africa 3,680 2,449 1,699 1,339 236 9,403 11,211 6,391 5,950 3,552 315 27,419 End Customer Markets Utilities 2,452 1,174 746 — 176 4,548 Industry 4,395 3,573 3,877 3,510 98 15,453 Transport and infrastructure 4,364 1,644 1,327 42 41 7,418 11,211 6,391 5,950 3,552 315 27,419 Product type Products 9,679 1,528 5,111 2,019 118 18,455 Systems 617 1,853 — 1,001 197 3,668 Services and software 915 3,010 839 532 — 5,296 11,211 6,391 5,950 3,552 315 27,419 Third-party revenues 11,211 6,391 5,950 3,552 315 27,419 Intersegment revenues (1) 475 109 513 59 ( 913) 243 Total Revenues 11,686 6,500 6,463 3,611 ( 598) 27,662 2017 ($ in millions) Electrification Industrial Automation Motion Robotics & Discrete Automation Corporate and Other Total Geographical markets Europe 3,514 2,470 1,657 1,259 132 9,032 The Americas 2,613 1,349 2,219 534 116 6,831 Asia, Middle East and Africa 3,464 2,515 1,473 1,125 493 9,070 9,591 6,334 5,349 2,918 741 24,933 End Customer Markets Utilities 2,597 1,273 628 — 575 5,073 Industry 4,022 3,398 3,488 2,891 155 13,954 Transport and infrastructure 2,972 1,663 1,233 27 11 5,906 9,591 6,334 5,349 2,918 741 24,933 Product type Products 8,322 1,406 4,595 1,489 169 15,981 Systems 614 2,089 — 926 565 4,194 Services and software 655 2,839 754 503 7 4,758 9,591 6,334 5,349 2,918 741 24,933 Third-party revenues 9,591 6,334 5,349 2,918 741 24,933 Intersegment revenues (1) 503 138 528 39 ( 945) 263 Total Revenues 10,094 6,472 5,877 2,957 ( 204) 25,196 (1) Intersegment revenues include sales to the Power Grids business which is presented as discontinued operations and are not eliminated from Total revenues (see Note 3). Revenues by geography reflect the location of the customer. Approximately 24 percent, 22 percent and 20 percent of the Company’s total revenues in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, came from customers in the United States. In each of 2019, 2018 and 2017 approximately 15 percent of the Company’s total revenues were generated from customers in China. In each of 2019, 2018 and 2017 more than percent of the Company’s total revenues were generated from customers outside Switzerland. The following tables present Operational EBITA, the reconciliations of consolidated Operational EBITA to Income from continuing operations before taxes, as well as Depreciation and amortization, and Capital expenditure for 2019, 2018 and 2017, as well as Total assets at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Operational EBITA: Electrification 1,688 1,626 1,510 Industrial Automation 732 914 902 Motion 1,082 1,023 838 Robotics & Discrete Automation 393 528 473 Corporate and Other: — Non-core and divested businesses ( 145) ( 291) ( 163) — Stranded corporate costs ( 225) ( 297) ( 286) — Corporate costs and Other intersegment elimination ( 418) ( 498) ( 457) Total 3,107 3,005 2,817 Acquisition-related amortization ( 265) ( 273) ( 229) Restructuring, related and implementation costs (1) ( 300) ( 172) ( 300) Changes in obligations related to divested businesses ( 36) ( 106) ( 94) Changes in pre-acquisition estimates ( 22) ( 8) ( 8) Gains and losses from sale of businesses 55 57 252 Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale ( 421) — — Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs ( 121) ( 204) ( 81) Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations: Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange, commodities, embedded derivatives) 20 ( 1) 56 Realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged transaction has not yet been realized 8 ( 23) 8 Unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and related assets/liabilities) ( 7) ( 9) ( 30) Certain other non-operational items: Costs for planned divestment of Power Grids ( 141) — — Regulatory, compliance and legal costs ( 7) ( 34) ( 102) Business transformation costs ( 19) ( 17) — Executive Committee transition costs ( 14) — — Favorable resolution of an uncertain purchase price adjustment 92 — — Gain on sale of investments 15 — — Gain on liquidation of a foreign subsidiary — 31 — Asset write downs/impairments ( 4) ( 25) ( 40) Other non-operational items ( 2) 5 ( 19) Income from operations 1,938 2,226 2,230 Interest and dividend income 67 72 73 Interest and other finance expense ( 215) ( 262) ( 234) Non-operational pension (cost) credit 72 83 33 Income from continuing operations before taxes 1,862 2,119 2,102 (1) Amounts in 2019 include $ 97 million of implementation costs in relation to the OS Program. Depreciation and Total assets (1), (2) amortization Capital expenditures (1) at December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Electrification 414 355 315 279 244 218 11,671 12,052 8,881 Industrial Automation 55 57 61 64 58 54 4,559 4,287 4,478 Motion 169 184 193 110 93 89 6,149 6,016 6,051 Robotics & Discrete Automation 124 127 73 59 74 44 4,661 4,760 4,848 Corporate and Other 199 193 194 250 303 347 19,068 17,326 19,200 Consolidated 961 916 836 762 772 752 46,108 44,441 43,458 (1) Capital expenditures and Total assets are after intersegment eliminations and therefore reflect third-party activities only. (2) At December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, Corporate and Other includes $ 9,840 million, $ 8,591 million and $ 8,603 million, respectively, of assets in the Power Grids business which is reported as discontinued operations (see Note 3). Other geographic information Geographic information for long-lived assets was as follows: Long-lived assets at December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Europe 2,565 2,110 The Americas 1,469 1,168 Asia, Middle East and Africa 932 855 Total 4,966 4,133 Long‑lived assets represent “Property, plant and equipment, net” and, with effect from 2019 as a result of adopting the new leasing standard (see Note 2), “Operating lease right-of-use assets” and are shown by location of the assets. At December 31, 2019, approximately 23 percent, 10 percent and 10 percent of the Company’s long‑lived assets were located in the U.S., China, and Switzerland, respectively. At December 31, 2018, approximately 22 percent, 11 percent and 11 percent of the Company’s long‑lived assets were located in the U.S., China and Switzerland, respectively.

Significant accounting polici_2

Significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Significant accounting policies
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with United States of America (United States or U.S.) generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and are presented in United States dollars ($ or USD) unless otherwise stated. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not add to the totals provided. The par value of capital stock is denominated in Swiss francs. See Note 3 for a summary of changes in presentation and other reclassifications affecting these financial statements compared to the previous year.
Scope of consolidation	Scope of consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of ABB Ltd and companies which are directly or indirectly controlled by ABB Ltd. Additionally, the Company consolidates variable interest entities if it has determined that it is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Investments in joint ventures and affiliated companies in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies (generally through direct or indirect ownership of 20 percent to 50 percent of the voting rights), are recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements using the equity method of accounting.
Discontinued operations	Discontinued operations The Company reports a disposal, or planned disposal, of a component or a group of components as a discontinued operation if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. A strategic shift could include a disposal of a major geographical area, a major line of business or other major parts of the Company. A component may be a reportable segment or an operating segment, a reporting unit, a subsidiary, or an asset group. The assets and liabilities of a component reported as a discontinued operation are presented separately as held for sale in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest expense that is not directly attributable to or related to the Company’s continuing business or discontinued business is allocated to discontinued operations based on the ratio of net assets to be sold less debt that is required to be paid as a result of the planned disposal transaction to the sum of total net assets of the Company plus consolidated debt. General corporate overhead is not allocated to discontinued operations (see Note 3).
Operating cycle	Operating cycle A portion of the Company’s activities (primarily long‑term system integration activities) has an operating cycle that exceeds one year. For classification of current assets and liabilities related to such activities, the Company elected to use the duration of the individual contracts as its operating cycle. Accordingly, there are accounts receivable, inventories and provisions related to these contracts which will not be realized within one year that have been classified as current.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make assumptions and estimates that directly affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes. These accounting assumptions and estimates include: • estimates and assumptions used in determining the fair values of assets and liabilities assumed in business combinations, • assumptions used in the determination of corporate costs directly attributable to discontinued operations, • estimates of loss contingencies associated with litigation or threatened litigation and other claims and inquiries, environmental damages, product warranties, self‑insurance reserves, regulatory and other proceedings, • estimates used to record expected costs for employee severance in connection with restructuring programs, • assumptions used in the calculation of pension and postretirement benefits and the fair value of pension plan assets, • estimates to determine valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and amounts recorded for uncertain tax positions, • growth rates, discount rates and other assumptions used to determine impairment of long‑lived assets and in testing goodwill for impairment, • assumptions used in determining inventory obsolescence and net realizable value, • assessment of the allowance for doubtful accounts, and • assumptions and projections, principally related to future material, labor and project‑related overhead costs, used in determining the percentage‑of‑completion on projects, as well as the amount of variable consideration the Company expects to be entitled to. The actual results and outcomes may differ from the Company’s estimates and assumptions.
Cash and equivalents	Cash and equivalents Cash and equivalents include highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition. Currency and other local regulatory limitations related to the transfer of funds exist in a number of countries where the Company operates. Funds, other than regular dividends, fees or loan repayments, cannot be readily transferred abroad from these countries and are therefore deposited and used for working capital needs locally. These funds are included in cash and equivalents as they are not considered restricted.
Marketable securities and short-term investments	Marketable securities and short‑term investments Management determines the appropriate classification of held‑to‑maturity and available‑for‑sale debt securities at the time of purchase. Debt securities are classified as held‑to‑maturity when the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held‑to‑maturity debt securities are carried at amortized cost, adjusted for accretion of discounts or amortization of premiums to maturity computed under the effective interest method. Such accretion or amortization is included in “Interest and dividend income”. Marketable debt securities not classified as held‑to‑maturity are classified as available‑for‑sale and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available‑for‑sale debt securities are excluded from the determination of earnings and are instead recognized in the “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” component of stockholders’ equity, net of tax, until realized. Realized gains and losses on available‑for‑sale debt securities are computed based upon the historical cost of these securities, using the specific identification method. Marketable debt securities are classified as either “Cash and equivalents” or “Marketable securities and short‑term investments” according to their maturity at the time of acquisition. Marketable equity securities are generally classified as “Marketable securities and short‑term investments”, however, any marketable securities held as a long‑term investment rather than as an investment of excess liquidity are classified as “Other non‑current assets”. Equity securities are measured at fair value with fair value changes reported in net income. Fair value changes for equity securities are reported in “Interest and other finance expense”. The Company performs a periodic review of its debt securities to determine whether an other‑than‑temporary impairment has occurred. Generally, when an individual security has been in an unrealized loss position for an extended period of time, the Company evaluates whether an impairment has occurred. The evaluation is based on specific facts and circumstances at the time of assessment, which include general market conditions, and the duration and extent to which the fair value is below cost. If the fair value of a debt security is less than its amortized cost, then an other‑than‑temporary impairment for the difference is recognized if (i) the Company has the intent to sell the security, (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost base, or (iii) a credit loss exists insofar as the Company does not expect to recover the entire recognized amortized cost of the security. Such impairment charges are generally recognized in “Interest and other finance expense”. If the impairment is due to factors other than credit losses, and the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost, such impairment charges are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”. In addition, equity securities without readily determinable fair value are written down to fair value if a qualitative assessment indicates that the investment is impaired and the fair value of the investment is less than carrying amount. The impairment charge is recorded in “Interest and other finance expense”.
Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts	Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount. The Company has a group‑wide policy on the management of credit risk. The policy includes a credit assessment methodology to assess the creditworthiness of customers and assign to those customers a risk category. Third‑party agencies’ ratings are considered, if available. For customers where agency ratings are not available, the customer’s most recent financial statements, payment history and other relevant information are considered in the assignment to a risk category. Customers are assessed at least annually or more frequently when information on significant changes in the customer’s financial position becomes known. In addition to the assignment to a risk category, a credit limit per customer is set. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in existing accounts receivable. The Company determines the allowance based on historical write‑off experience and customer-specific data. If an amount has not been settled within its contractual payment term then it is considered past due. The Company reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts regularly and past due balances are reviewed for collectability. Account balances are charged off against the related allowance when the Company believes that the amount will not be recovered. The Company, in its normal course of business, transfers receivables to third parties, generally without recourse. The transfer is accounted for as a sale when the Company has surrendered control over the receivables. Control is deemed to have been surrendered when (i) the transferred receivables have been put presumptively beyond the reach of the Company and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership, (ii) the third‑party transferees have the right to pledge or exchange the transferred receivables, and (iii) the Company has relinquished effective control over the transferred receivables and does not retain the ability or obligation to repurchase or redeem the transferred receivables. At the time of sale, the sold receivables are removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related cash inflows are classified as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Costs associated with the sale of receivables, including the related gains and losses from the sales, are included in “Interest and other finance expense”. Transfers of receivables that do not meet the requirements for treatment as sales are accounted for as secured borrowings and the related cash flows are classified as financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Concentrations of credit risk	Concentrations of credit risk The Company sells a broad range of products, systems, services and software to a wide range of industrial, commercial and utility customers as well as various government agencies and quasi‑governmental agencies throughout the world. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited, as the Company’s customer base is comprised of a large number of individual customers. Ongoing credit evaluations of customers’ financial positions are performed to determine whether the use of credit support instruments such as guarantees, letters of credit or credit insurance are necessary; collateral is not generally required. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses as discussed above in “Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts”. Such losses, in the aggregate, are in line with the Company’s expectations. It is the Company’s policy to invest cash in deposits with banks throughout the world with certain minimum credit ratings and in high quality, low risk, liquid investments. The Company actively manages its credit risk by routinely reviewing the creditworthiness of the banks and the investments held. The Company has not incurred significant credit losses related to such investments. The Company’s exposure to credit risk on derivative financial instruments is the risk that the counterparty will fail to meet its obligations. To reduce this risk, the Company has credit policies that require the establishment and periodic review of credit limits for individual counterparties. In addition, the Company has entered into close‑out netting agreements with most derivative counterparties. Close‑out netting agreements provide for the termination, valuation and net settlement of some or all outstanding transactions between two counterparties on the occurrence of one or more pre‑defined trigger events. In the Consolidated Financial Statements derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition A customer contract exists if collectability under the contract is considered probable, the contract has commercial substance, contains payment terms, as well as the rights and commitments of both parties, and has been approved. The Company offers arrangements with multiple performance obligations to meet its customers’ needs. These arrangements may involve the delivery of multiple products and/or performance of services (such as installation and training) and the delivery and/or performance may occur at different points in time or over different periods of time. Goods and services under such arrangements are evaluated to determine whether they form distinct performance obligations and should be accounted for as separate revenue transactions. The Company allocates the sales price to each distinct performance obligation based on the price of each item sold in separate transactions at the inception of the arrangement. The Company generally recognizes revenues for the sale of non‑customized products including switchgear, circuit breakers, modular substation packages, control products, motors, generators, drives, robots, turbochargers, measurement and analytical instrumentation, and other goods which are manufactured on a standardized basis at a point in time. Revenues are recognized at the point in time that the customer obtains control of the good which is when it has taken title to the products and assumed the risks and rewards of ownership of the products specified in the purchase order or sales agreement. Generally, the transfer of title and risks and rewards of ownership are governed by the contractually defined shipping terms. The Company uses various International Commercial shipping terms (as promulgated by the International Chamber of Commerce) in its sales of products to third party customers, such as Ex Works (EXW), Free Carrier (FCA) and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). Billing terms for these point in time contracts vary but generally coincide with delivery to the customer. Payment is generally due upon receipt of the invoice, payable within 90 days or less. The Company generally recognizes revenues for the sale of customized products, including integrated automation and electrification systems and solutions, on an over time basis using the percentage‑of‑completion method of accounting. These systems are generally accounted for as a single performance obligation as the Company is required to integrate equipment and services into one deliverable for the customer. Revenues are recognized as the systems are customized during the manufacturing or integration process and as control is transferred to the customer as evidenced by the Company’s right to payment for work performed or by the customer’s ownership of the work in process. The Company principally uses the cost‑to‑cost method to measure progress towards completion on contracts. Under this method, progress of contracts is measured by actual costs incurred in relation to the Company’s best estimate of total costs based on the Company’s history of manufacturing or constructing similar assets for customers. Estimated costs are reviewed and updated routinely for contracts in progress to reflect changes in quantity or pricing of the inputs. The cumulative effect of any change in estimate is recorded in the period when the change in estimate is determined. Contract costs include all direct materials, labor and subcontract costs and indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools and depreciation costs. The nature of the Company’s contracts for the sale of customized products gives rise to several types of variable consideration, including claims, unpriced change orders, liquidated damages and penalties. These amounts are estimated based upon the most likely amount of consideration to which the customer or the Company will be entitled. The estimated amounts are included in the sales price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenues recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. All estimates of variable consideration are reassessed periodically. Back charges to suppliers or subcontractors are recognized as a reduction of cost when it is determined that recovery of such cost is probable and the amounts can be reliably estimated. Billing terms for these over‑time contracts vary but are generally based on achieving specified milestones. The differences between the timing of revenues recognized and customer billings result in changes to contract assets and contract liabilities. Payment is generally due upon receipt of the invoice, payable within 90 days or less. Contractual retention amounts billed to customers are generally due upon expiration of the contractual warranty period. Service revenues reflect revenues earned from the Company’s activities in providing services to customers primarily subsequent to the sale and delivery of a product or complete system. Such revenues consist of maintenance type contracts, repair services, equipment upgrades, field service activities that include personnel and accompanying spare parts, training, and installation and commissioning of products as a stand-alone service or as part of a service contract. The Company generally recognizes revenues from service transactions as services are performed or at the point in time that the customer obtains control of the spare parts. For long-term service contracts including monitoring and maintenance services, revenues are recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the contract consistent with the nature, timing and extent of the services or, if the performance pattern is other than straight line, as the services are provided based on costs incurred relative to total expected costs. In limited circumstances the Company sells extended warranties that extend the warranty coverage beyond the standard coverage offered on specific products. Revenues for these warranties are recorded over the length of the warranty period based on their stand‑alone selling price. Billing terms for service contracts vary but are generally based on the occurrence of a service event. Payment is generally due upon receipt of the invoice, payable within 90 days or less. Revenues are reported net of customer rebates, early settlement discounts, and similar incentives. Rebates are estimated based on sales terms, historical experience and trend analysis. The most common incentives relate to amounts paid or credited to customers for achieving defined volume levels. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are directly imposed on revenue-producing transactions between the Company and its customers, such as sales, use, value added and some excise taxes, are excluded from revenues. The Company does not adjust the contract price for the effects of a financing component if the Company expects, at contract inception, that the time between control transfer and cash receipt is less than 12 months. Sales commissions are expensed immediately when the amortization period for the costs to obtain the contract is less than a year.
Contract loss provisions	Contract loss provisions Losses on contracts are recognized in the period when they are identified and are based upon the anticipated excess of contract costs over the related contract revenues.
Shipping and handling costs	Shipping and handling costs Shipping and handling costs are recorded as a component of cost of sales.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first‑in, first‑out method, the weighted‑average cost method, or the specific identification method. Inventoried costs are stated at acquisition cost or actual production cost, including direct material and labor and applicable manufacturing overheads. Adjustments to reduce the cost of inventory to its net realizable value are made, if required, for decreases in sales prices, obsolescence or similar reductions in value.
Impairment of long-lived assets	Impairment of long‑lived assets Long‑lived assets that are held and used are assessed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If the asset’s net carrying value exceeds the asset’s net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated over its remaining useful life including net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset, if any, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value. The estimated fair value is determined using a market, income and/or cost approach.
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and is depreciated using the straight‑line method. The estimated useful lives of the assets are generally as follows: • factories and office buildings: 30 to 40 years, • other facilities: 15 years, • machinery and equipment: 3 to 15 years, • furniture and office equipment: 3 to 8 years, and • leasehold improvements are depreciated over their estimated useful life or, for operating leases, over the lease term, if shorter.
Goodwill and other intangible assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually as of October 1, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. For the annual impairment review performed in 2019, the reporting units were the same as the operating segments for Electrification, Motion and Robotics & Discrete Automation, while for the Industrial Automation operating segment the reporting units were determined to be one level below the operating segment. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company uses either a qualitative or quantitative assessment method for each reporting unit. The qualitative assessment involves determining, based on an evaluation of qualitative factors, if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If, based on this qualitative assessment, it is determined to be more likely than not that the reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, a quantitative impairment test (described below) is performed, otherwise no further analysis is required. If the Company elects not to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit, then a quantitative impairment test is performed. The quantitative impairment test calculates the fair value of a reporting unit using an income approach based on the present value of future cash flows, applying a discount rate that represents the Company’s weighted-average cost of capital, and compares it to the reporting unit’s carrying value. If the carrying value of the net assets of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit then the Company records an impairment charge equal to the difference, provided that the loss recognized does not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The cost of acquired intangible assets with a finite life is amortized using a method of amortization that reflects the pattern of intangible assets’ expected contributions to future cash flows. If that pattern cannot be reliably determined, the straight‑line method is used. The amortization periods range from 3 to 5 years for software and from 5 to 20 years for customer‑, technology‑ and marketing‑related intangibles. Intangible assets with a finite life are tested for impairment upon the occurrence of certain triggering events.
Capitalized software costs	Capitalized software costs When developing software for internal use, costs incurred in the application development stage until the software is substantially complete are capitalized and are amortized on a straight‑line basis over the estimated useful life of the software, typically ranging from 3 to 5 years.
Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities	Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage currency, commodity, interest rate and equity exposures, arising from its global operating, financing and investing activities (see Note 6). The Company recognizes all derivatives, other than certain derivatives indexed to the Company’s own stock, at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments are reported at fair value with derivative gains and losses reported through earnings and classified consistent with the nature of the underlying transaction. If the derivatives are designated as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivatives will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged through earnings (in the case of a fair value hedge) or recognized in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” until the hedged item is recognized in earnings (in the case of a cash flow hedge). The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings consistent with the classification of the hedged item. Where derivative financial instruments have been designated as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions and such forecasted transactions are no longer probable of occurring, hedge accounting is discontinued and any derivative gain or loss previously included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” is reclassified into earnings consistent with the nature of the original forecasted transaction. Gains or losses from derivatives designated as hedging instruments in a fair value hedge are reported through earnings and classified consistent with the nature of the underlying hedged transaction. Certain commercial contracts may grant rights to the Company or the counterparties, or contain other provisions that are considered to be derivatives. Such embedded derivatives are assessed at inception of the contract and depending on their characteristics, accounted for as separate derivative instruments and shown at their fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes in their fair value reported in earnings consistent with the nature of the commercial contract to which they relate. Derivatives are classified in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the same section as the underlying item. Cash flows from the settlement of undesignated derivatives used to manage the risks of different underlying items on a net basis are classified within “Net cash provided by operating activities”, as the underlying items are primarily operational in nature. Other cash flows on the settlement of derivatives are recorded within “Net cash used in investing activities”.
Leases	Leases The Company leases primarily real estate, vehicles and machinery. In January 2019, the Company adopted a new lease accounting standard. Prior to the adoption of the new accounting standard, lease transactions where substantially all risks and rewards incident to ownership were transferred from the lessor to the lessee were accounted for as capital leases. All other leases were accounted for as operating leases. The periodic rent expense for operating leases was recorded on a straight‑line basis over the life of the lease term. Amounts due under capital leases were recorded as a liability. The value of the assets under capital leases were recorded as property, plant and equipment. Depreciation and amortization of assets recorded under capital leases was included in depreciation and amortization expense. Under the new lease accounting standard, the Company evaluates if a contract contains a lease at inception of the contract. A contract is or contains a lease if it conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To determine this, the Company assesses whether, throughout the period of use, it has both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset and the right to direct the use of the identified asset. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with the classification determining the pattern of expense recognition in the Consolidated Income Statements. Lease expense for operating leases continues to be recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease expense for finance leases is separated between amortization of right-of-use assets and lease interest expense. In many cases, the Company’s leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend up to 5 years. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company’s discretion. Renewal periods are included in the expected lease term if they are reasonably certain of being exercised by the Company. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. None of the Company’s lease agreements contain material residual value guarantees or material restrictions or covenants. Long-term leases (leases with terms greater than 12 months) are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of the minimum lease payments. The present value of the lease payments is determined by using the interest rate implicit in the lease if available. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company’s incremental borrowing rate is used for most leases and is determined for portfolios of leases based on the remaining lease term, currency of the lease, and the internal credit rating of the subsidiary which entered into the lease. Short-term leases (leases with an initial lease term of 12 months or less and where it is reasonably certain that the property will not be leased for a term greater than 12 months) are not recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The majority of short-term leases relate to real estate and machinery. Assets under operating lease are included in “Operating lease right-of-use assets”. Operating lease liabilities are reported both as current and non-current operating lease liabilities. Right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Assets under finance lease are included in “Property, plant and equipment, net” while finance lease liabilities are included in “Long-term debt” (including “Current maturities of long-term debt” as applicable). Lease and non-lease components for leases other than real estate are not accounted for separately.
Translation of foreign currencies and foreign exchange transactions	Translation of foreign currencies and foreign exchange transactions The functional currency for most of the Company’s subsidiaries is the applicable local currency. The translation from the applicable functional currencies into the Company’s reporting currency is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for income statement accounts using average exchange rates prevailing during the year. The resulting translation adjustments are excluded from the determination of earnings and are recognized in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” until the subsidiary is sold, substantially liquidated or evaluated for impairment in anticipation of disposal. Foreign currency exchange gains and losses, such as those resulting from foreign currency denominated receivables or payables, are included in the determination of earnings, except as they relate to intercompany loans that are equity‑like in nature with no reasonable expectation of repayment, which are recognized in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”. Exchange gains and losses recognized in earnings are included in “Total revenues”, “Total cost of sales”, “Selling, general and administrative expenses” or “Interest and other finance expense” consistent with the nature of the underlying item.
Income taxes	Income taxes The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for deferred taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the financial reporting and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a deferred tax asset when it determines that it is more likely than not that the deduction will be sustained based upon the deduction’s technical merit. Deferred tax assets and liabilities that can be offset against each other are reported on a net basis. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Deferred taxes are provided on unredeemed retained earnings of the Company’s subsidiaries. However, deferred taxes are not provided on such unredeemed retained earnings to the extent it is expected that the earnings are permanently reinvested. Such earnings may become taxable upon the sale or liquidation of these subsidiaries or upon the remittance of dividends. The Company operates in numerous tax jurisdictions and, as a result, is regularly subject to audit by tax authorities. The Company provides for tax contingencies whenever it is deemed more likely than not that a tax asset has been impaired or a tax liability has been incurred. Contingency provisions are recorded based on the technical merits of the Company’s filing position, considering the applicable tax laws and Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD) guidelines and are based on its evaluations of the facts and circumstances as of the end of each reporting period. The Company applies a two‑step approach to recognize and measure uncertainty in income taxes. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount which is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Uncertain tax positions that could be settled against existing loss carryforwards or income tax credits are reported net. Expenses related to tax penalties are classified in the Consolidated Income Statements as “Provision for taxes” while interest thereon is classified as “Interest and other finance expense”. Current income tax relating to certain items is recognized directly in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” and not in earnings. In general, the Company applies the individual items approach when releasing income tax effects from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”.
Research and development	Research and development Research and development costs not related to specific customer orders are generally expensed as incurred.
Earnings per share	Earnings per share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted‑average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted‑average number of shares outstanding during the year, assuming that all potentially dilutive securities were exercised, if dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities comprise outstanding written call options, outstanding options and shares granted subject to certain conditions under the Company’s share‑based payment arrangements. See further discussion related to earnings per share in Note 20 and of potentially dilutive securities in Note 18.
Share-based payment arrangements	Share‑based payment arrangements The Company has various share‑based payment arrangements for its employees, which are described more fully in Note 18. Such arrangements are accounted for under the fair value method. For awards that are equity‑settled, total compensation is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award at that date, and recorded in earnings over the period the employees are required to render service. For awards that are cash‑settled, compensation is initially measured at grant date and subsequently remeasured at each reporting period, based on the fair value and vesting percentage of the award at each of those dates, with changes in the liability recorded in earnings.
Fair value measures	Fair value measures The Company uses fair value measurement principles to record certain financial assets and liabilities on a recurring basis and, when necessary, to record certain non‑financial assets at fair value on a non‑recurring basis, as well as to determine fair value disclosures for certain financial instruments carried at amortized cost in the financial statements. Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis include foreign currency, commodity and interest rate derivatives, as well as cash‑settled call options and available‑for‑sale debt and equity securities. Non‑financial assets recorded at fair value on a non‑recurring basis include long‑lived assets that are reduced to their estimated fair value due to impairments. Fair value is the price that would be received when selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation techniques including the market approach (using observable market data for identical or similar assets and liabilities), the income approach (discounted cash flow models) and the cost approach (using costs a market participant would incur to develop a comparable asset). Inputs used to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities are defined by a three‑level hierarchy, depending on the nature of those inputs. The Company has categorized its financial assets and liabilities and non‑financial assets measured at fair value within this hierarchy based on whether the inputs to the valuation technique are observable or unobservable. An observable input is based on market data obtained from independent sources, while an unobservable input reflects the Company’s assumptions about market data. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows: Level 1: Valuation inputs consist of quoted prices in an active market for identical assets or liabilities (observable quoted prices). Assets and liabilities valued using Level 1 inputs include exchange‑traded equity securities, listed derivatives which are actively traded such as commodity futures, interest rate futures and certain actively traded debt securities. Level 2: Valuation inputs consist of observable inputs (other than Level 1 inputs) such as actively quoted prices for similar assets, quoted prices in inactive markets and inputs other than quoted prices such as interest rate yield curves, credit spreads, or inputs derived from other observable data by interpolation, correlation, regression or other means. The adjustments applied to quoted prices or the inputs used in valuation models may be both observable and unobservable. In these cases, the fair value measurement is classified as Level 2 unless the unobservable portion of the adjustment or the unobservable input to the valuation model is significant, in which case the fair value measurement would be classified as Level 3. Assets and liabilities valued or disclosed using Level 2 inputs include investments in certain funds, reverse repurchase agreements, certain debt securities that are not actively traded, interest rate swaps, commodity swaps, cash‑settled call options, forward foreign exchange contracts, foreign exchange swaps and forward rate agreements, time deposits, as well as financing receivables and debt. Level 3: Valuation inputs are based on the Company’s assumptions of relevant market data (unobservable input). Investments in private equity, real estate and collective funds held within the Company’s pension plans are generally valued using the net asset value (NAV) per share as a practical expedient for fair value provided certain criteria are met. The NAVs are determined based on the fair values of the underlying investments in the funds. These assets are not classified in the fair value hierarchy but are separately disclosed. Whenever quoted prices involve bid‑ask spreads, the Company ordinarily determines fair values based on mid‑market quotes. However, for the purpose of determining the fair value of cash‑settled call options serving as hedges of the Company’s management incentive plan (MIP), bid prices are used. When determining fair values based on quoted prices in an active market, the Company considers if the level of transaction activity for the financial instrument has significantly decreased, or would not be considered orderly. In such cases, the resulting changes in valuation techniques would be disclosed. If the market is considered disorderly or if quoted prices are not available, the Company is required to use another valuation technique, such as an income approach. Disclosures about the Company’s fair value measurements of assets and liabilities are included in Note 7.
Contingencies	Contingencies The Company is subject to proceedings, litigation or threatened litigation and other claims and inquiries, related to environmental, labor, product, regulatory, tax (other than income tax) and other matters, and is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters, as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the provision required, if any, for these contingencies is made after analysis of each individual issue, often with assistance from both internal and external legal counsel and technical experts. The required amount of a provision for a contingency of any type may change in the future due to new developments in the particular matter, including changes in the approach to its resolution. The Company records a provision for its contingent obligations when it is probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Any such provision is generally recognized on an undiscounted basis using the Company’s best estimate of the amount of loss incurred or at the lower end of an estimated range when a single best estimate is not determinable. In some cases, the Company may be able to recover a portion of the costs relating to these obligations from insurers or other third parties; however, the Company records such amounts only when it is probable that they will be collected. The Company provides for anticipated costs for warranties when it recognizes revenues on the related products or contracts. Warranty costs include calculated costs arising from imperfections in design, material and workmanship in the Company’s products. The Company makes individual assessments on contracts with risks resulting from order‑specific conditions or guarantees and assessments on an overall, statistical basis for similar products sold in larger quantities. The Company may have legal obligations to perform environmental clean‑up activities related to land and buildings as a result of the normal operations of its business. In some cases, the timing or the method of settlement, or both, are conditional upon a future event that may or may not be within the control of the Company, but the underlying obligation itself is unconditional and certain. The Company recognizes a provision for these obligations when it is probable that a liability for the clean‑up activity has been incurred and a reasonable estimate of its fair value can be made. In some cases, a portion of the costs expected to be incurred to settle these matters may be recoverable. An asset is recorded when it is probable that such amounts are recoverable. Provisions for environmental obligations are not discounted to their present value when the timing of payments cannot be reasonably estimated.
Pensions and other postretirement benefits	Pensions and other postretirement benefits The Company has a number of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The Company recognizes an asset for such a plan’s overfunded status or a liability for such a plan’s underfunded status in its Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additionally, the Company measures such a plan’s assets and obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the year and recognizes the changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur. Those changes are reported in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”. The Company uses actuarial valuations to determine its pension and postretirement benefit costs and credits. The amounts calculated depend on a variety of key assumptions, including discount rates and expected return on plan assets. Current market conditions are considered in selecting these assumptions. The Company’s various pension plan assets are assigned to their respective levels in the fair value hierarchy in accordance with the valuation principles described in the “Fair value measures” section above. See Note 17 for further discussion of the Company’s employee benefit plans.
Business combinations	Business combinations The Company accounts for assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations using the acquisition method and records these at their respective fair values. Contingent consideration is recorded at fair value as an element of purchase price with subsequent adjustments recognized in income. Identifiable intangibles consist of intellectual property such as trademarks and trade names, customer relationships, patented and unpatented technology, in‑process research and development, order backlog and capitalized software; these are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Such intangibles are subsequently subject to evaluation for potential impairment if events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. See “Goodwill and other intangible assets” above. Acquisition‑related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition and expensed as incurred. Upon gaining control of an entity in which an equity method or cost basis investment was held by the Company, the carrying value of that investment is adjusted to fair value with the related gain or loss recorded in income. Deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences between the financial reporting and the tax base of assets and liabilities as well as uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances on acquired deferred tax assets assumed in connection with a business combination are initially estimated as of the acquisition date based on facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date. These estimates are subject to change within the measurement period (a period of up to 12 months after the acquisition date during which the acquirer may adjust the provisional acquisition amounts) with any adjustments to the preliminary estimates being recorded to goodwill. Changes in deferred taxes, uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances on acquired deferred tax assets that occur after the measurement period are recognized in income.
New accounting pronouncements	New accounting pronouncements Applicable for current period Leases In January 2019, the Company adopted a new accounting standard that requires lessees to recognize lease assets and corresponding lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms of more than 12 months with several practical expedients. The new accounting standard continues to classify leases as either finance or operating, with the classification determining the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. It also requires additional disclosures about the Company’s leasing activities. The Company has elected to not recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for leases with terms of less than 12 months and to not separate lease and non-lease components for leases other than real estate. The Company has adopted the standard on a modified retrospective basis and has therefore recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings on January 1, 2019. It has elected to apply the package of practical expedients which permits the Company to not reassess under the new standard prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. While the adoption of this standard only had an insignificant impact on the Company’s results of operations and cash flows, total assets and total liabilities increased by $ 1,344 million and $ 1,360 million, respectively, of which $ 148 million and $ 153 million, respectively, relate to assets and liabilities held for sale. Comparable information has not been restated to reflect the adoption of this new standard and continues to be measured and reported under the accounting standard in effect for those periods presented. Derivatives and Hedging—Targeted improvements to accounting for hedging activities In January 2019, the Company adopted an accounting standard update which expands and refines hedge accounting for both financial and non-financial risk components, aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and hedge items in the financial statements, and includes certain targeted improvements to ease the application of current guidance related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness. This update was applied on a modified retrospective basis for cash flow and net investment hedges and prospectively for the amended presentation and disclosure guidance but did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. Reclassification of certain tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income In January 2019, the Company adopted an accounting standard update which allows a reclassification of the stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to retained earnings. The updated guidance was applied in the period of adoption and resulted in a reclassification of $ 36 million from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings. Applicable for future periods Measurement of credit losses on financial instruments In June 2016, an accounting standard update was issued which replaces the existing incurred loss impairment methodology for most financial assets with a new “current expected credit loss” model. Additional related updates with targeted improvements and clarifications were issued subsequently. The new model will result in the immediate recognition of the estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of financial assets such as trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments. Measurement of expected credit losses will be based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The update also requires additional disclosures related to estimates and judgments used to measure credit losses. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will be measured in a manner similar to current GAAP, except that the losses will be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than as a direct write-down of the security. This update is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2020. For financial assets carried at amortized cost a cumulative-effect adjustment for the changes in the allowances for credit losses will be recognized in retained earnings on the consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2020. The Company does not expect the update to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements. Disclosure Framework — Changes to the disclosure requirements for fair value measurement In August 2018, an accounting standard update was issued which modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The update eliminates the requirements to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the timing of transfers between levels and the Level 3 valuation process, while expanding the Level 3 disclosures to include the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs and the changes in unrealized gains and losses on recurring fair value measurements. The changes and modifications to the Level 3 disclosures are to be applied prospectively, while all other amendments are to be applied retrospectively. The Company will adopt this update as of January 1, 2020, and does not believe that this update will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements. Simplifying the accounting for income taxes In December 2019, an accounting standard update was issued which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in this topic. The amendments also improve consistent application of existing guidance by clarifying certain aspects. This update is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2021, with early adoption in any interim period permitted. Depending on the amendment, adoption may be applied on a retrospective, modified retrospective or prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.

Basis of presentation and ass_2

Basis of presentation and assets held for sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating results of discontinued operations	($ millions) 2019 2018 2017 Total revenues 9,037 9,698 10,028 Total cost of sales ( 6,983) ( 7,378) ( 7,501) Gross profit 2,054 2,320 2,527 Expenses ( 1,394) ( 1,326) ( 1,376) Income from operations 660 994 1,152 Net interest and other finance expense ( 61) ( 55) ( 42) Non-operational pension (cost) credit 5 12 9 Income from discontinued operations before taxes 605 951 1,119 Provision for taxes ( 167) ( 228) ( 273) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 438 723 846
Discontinued operations, held for sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Major components of assets and liabilities held for sale of discontinued operations	December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Receivables, net 2,541 2,377 Contract assets 1,243 1,236 Inventories, net 1,667 1,457 Property, plant and equipment, net 1,754 — Goodwill 1,631 — Other current assets 1,004 94 Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations 9,840 5,164 Property, plant and equipment, net — 1,477 Goodwill — 1,620 Other non-current assets — 330 Non-current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations — 3,427 Accounts payable, trade 1,722 1,732 Contract liabilities 1,121 998 Pension and other employee benefits 419 — Other current liabilities 1,984 1,455 Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations 5,246 4,185 Pension and other employee benefits — 268 Other non-current liabilities — 161 Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations — 429
Disposal group, held for sale, not discontinued operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Major components of assets and liabilities held for sale of discontinued operations	($ in millions) December 31, 2019 Assets Receivables, net 70 Inventories, net 127 Property, plant and equipment, net 69 Other intangible assets, net 27 Other assets 26 Valuation allowance on assets held for sale ( 319) Current assets held for sale — Liabilities Accounts payable, trade 86 Contract liabilities 59 Provisions for warranties 108 Other liabilities 49 Fair value adjustment on disposal group 102 Current liabilities held for sale 404

Acquisitions and business div_2

Acquisitions and business divestments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Acquisitions and business divestments
Acquisitions	($ in millions, except number of acquired businesses) 2019 2018 2017 Purchase price for acquisitions (net of cash acquired) (1) — 2,638 1,992 Aggregate excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (2) 92 1,472 1,267 Number of acquired businesses — 3 4 (1) Excluding changes in cost‑ and equity‑accounted companies. (2) Recorded as goodwill (see Note 11). Includes adjustments of $ 92 million in 2019 arising during the measurement period of acquisitions, primarily reflecting changes in the valuation of net working capital, deferred tax liabilities and intangible assets acquired.
Allocation of the purchase consideration for business acquisition	GEIS 2017 ($ in millions) Allocated amounts Weighted-average useful life Allocated amounts (1) Weighted-average useful life Technology 92 7 years 412 7 years Customer relationships 178 12 years 264 20 years Trade names 135 13 years 61 10 years Supply agreement 32 13 years — Intangible assets 437 737 Property, plant and equipment 373 131 Debt acquired — ( 50) Deferred tax liabilities ( 45) ( 249) Inventories 405 176 Other assets and liabilities, net (2) ( 19) ( 20) Goodwill (3) 1,534 1,267 Noncontrolling interest ( 63) — Total consideration (net of cash acquired) (4) 2,622 1,992 (1) Excludes measurement period adjustments related to prior year acquisitions. (2) Gross receivables from the GEIS acquisition totaled $ 658 million; the fair value of which was $ 624 million after adjusting for contractual cash flows not expected to be collected. (3) The amount of goodwill which is tax deductible is $ 769 million. (4) Primarily relates to the acquisition of B&R in 2017. Cash acquired in the GEIS acquisition totaled $ 192 million.
Unaudited pro forma financial information	($ in millions) 2018 2017 Total revenues 28,936 27,881 Income from continuing operations, net of tax 1,622 1,631
Adjustments included in pro forma results of related acquisition	($ in millions) 2018 2017 Impact on cost of sales from additional amortization of intangible assets ( 10) ( 20) Impact on cost of sales from fair valuing acquired inventory 26 ( 26) Impact on cost of sales from additional depreciation of property, plant and equipment ( 4) ( 8) Impact on selling, general and administrative expenses from additional amortization of intangible assets ( 5) ( 12) Impact on selling, general and administrative expenses from acquisition-related costs 44 20 Impact on interest expense from financing costs ( 15) ( 62) Taxation adjustments ( 5) 33 Total pro forma adjustments 31 ( 75)

Cash and equivalents, marketa_2

Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments	December 31, 2019 Marketable securities Gross Gross and unrealized unrealized Cash and short-term ($ in millions) Cost basis gains losses Fair value equivalents investments Changes in fair value recorded in net income Cash 2,111 2,111 2,111 Time deposits 1,433 1,433 1,433 Equity securities 294 10 304 304 3,838 10 — 3,848 3,544 304 Changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income Debt securities available-for-sale: —U.S. government obligations 191 7 ( 1) 197 197 —Corporate 61 4 65 65 252 11 ( 1) 262 — 262 Total 4,090 21 ( 1) 4,110 3,544 566 December 31, 2018 Marketable securities Gross Gross and unrealized unrealized Cash and short-term ($ in millions) Cost basis gains losses Fair value equivalents investments Changes in fair value recorded in net income Cash 1,983 1,983 1,983 Time deposits 1,463 1,463 1,462 1 Other short-term investments 206 206 206 Equity securities 206 ( 3) 203 203 3,858 — ( 3) 3,855 3,445 410 Changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income Debt securities available-for-sale: —U.S. government obligations 217 ( 3) 214 214 —Corporate 90 ( 2) 88 88 307 — ( 5) 302 — 302 Total 4,165 — ( 8) 4,157 3,445 712
Contractual maturities of debt securities classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity	December 31, 2019 Available-for-sale ($ in millions) Cost basis Fair value One to five years 125 126 Six to ten years 74 77 Due after ten years 53 59 Total 252 262

Derivative financial instrume_2

Derivative financial instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount of outstanding derivatives	Type of derivative Total notional amounts at December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Foreign exchange contracts 15,015 13,612 16,261 Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 924 733 899 Interest rate contracts 5,188 3,300 5,706 Total notional amounts at December 31, Type of derivative Unit 2019 2018 2017 Copper swaps metric tonnes 42,494 46,143 28,976 Silver swaps ounces 2,508,770 2,861,294 1,966,729 Aluminum swaps metric tonnes 8,388 9,491 1,869
Gain (loss) on fair value hedges	($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Gains (losses) recognized in Interest and other finance expense: - on derivatives designated as fair value hedges 38 ( 4) ( 23) - on hedged item ( 38) 5 27
Gain (loss) on derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	($ in millions) Gains (losses) recognized in income Type of derivative not designated as a hedge Location 2019 2018 2017 Foreign exchange contracts Total revenues ( 7) ( 121) 92 Total cost of sales ( 64) 46 ( 41) SG&A expenses (1) 2 10 ( 18) Non-order related research and development 1 ( 1) — Interest and other finance expense ( 122) 40 22 Embedded foreign exchange contracts Total revenues 17 58 7 Total cost of sales ( 6) ( 4) ( 2) SG&A expenses (1) — 2 5 Commodity contracts Total cost of sales 12 ( 33) 31 Other Interest and other finance expense — 3 ( 2) Total ( 167) — 94 (1) SG&A expenses represent “Selling, general and administrative expenses”.
Fair value of derivatives	December 31, 2019 Derivative assets Derivative liabilities Non-current Non-current Current in in “Other Current in in “Other “Other current non-current “Other current non-current ($ in millions) assets” assets” liabilities” liabilities” Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts — — 2 6 Interest rate contracts — 72 — — Cash-settled call options 11 14 — — Total 11 86 2 6 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 85 14 127 14 Commodity contracts 17 — 2 — Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 7 3 12 3 Total 109 18 141 17 Total fair value 120 104 143 23 December 31, 2018 Derivative assets Derivative liabilities Non-current Non-current Current in in “Other Current in in “Other “Other current non-current “Other current non-current ($ in millions) assets” assets” liabilities” liabilities” Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts — — 1 4 Commodity contracts — — 2 — Interest rate contracts — 35 — 1 Cash-settled call options 3 3 — — Total 3 38 3 5 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 117 14 160 30 Commodity contracts 8 1 21 1 Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 15 10 8 1 Total 140 25 189 32 Total fair value 143 63 192 37
Offsetting arrangements	($ in millions) December 31, 2019 Gross amount of Derivative liabilities Type of agreement or recognized eligible for set-off in Cash collateral Non-cash collateral Net asset similar arrangement assets case of default received received exposure Derivatives 214 ( 102) — — 112 Total 214 ( 102) — — 112 ($ in millions) December 31, 2019 Gross amount of Derivative liabilities Type of agreement or recognized eligible for set-off in Cash collateral Non-cash collateral Net liability similar arrangement liabilities case of default pledged pledged exposure Derivatives 151 ( 102) — — 49 Total 151 ( 102) — — 49 ($ in millions) December 31, 2018 Gross amount of Derivative liabilities Type of agreement or recognized eligible for set-off in Cash collateral Non-cash collateral Net asset similar arrangement assets case of default received received exposure Derivatives 181 ( 121) — — 60 Reverse repurchase agreements 206 — — ( 206) — Total 387 ( 121) — ( 206) 60 ($ in millions) December 31, 2018 Gross amount of Derivative liabilities Type of agreement or recognized eligible for set-off in Cash collateral Non-cash collateral Net liability similar arrangement liabilities case of default pledged pledged exposure Derivatives 220 ( 121) — — 99 Total 220 ( 121) — — 99

Fair values (Tables)

Fair values (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair values
Fair value of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	December 31, 2019 Total ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 fair value Assets Securities in “Marketable securities and short-term investments”: Equity securities — 304 — 304 Debt securities—U.S. government obligations 197 — — 197 Debt securities—Corporate — 65 — 65 Derivative assets—current in “Other current assets” — 120 — 120 Derivative assets—non-current in “Other non-current assets” — 104 — 104 Total 197 593 — 790 Liabilities Derivative liabilities—current in “Other current liabilities” — 143 — 143 Derivative liabilities—non-current in “Other non-current liabilities” — 23 — 23 Total — 166 — 166 December 31, 2018 Total ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 fair value Assets Securities in “Marketable securities and short-term investments”: Equity securities — 203 — 203 Debt securities—U.S. government obligations 214 — — 214 Debt securities—Corporate — 88 — 88 Derivative assets—current in “Other current assets” — 143 — 143 Derivative assets—non-current in “Other non-current assets” — 63 — 63 Total 214 497 — 711 Liabilities Derivative liabilities—current in “Other current liabilities” — 192 — 192 Derivative liabilities—non-current in “Other non-current liabilities” — 37 — 37 Total — 229 — 229
Schedule of fair values of financial instruments carried on a cost basis	December 31, 2019 Carrying Total ($ in millions) value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 fair value Assets Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities up to 3 months): Cash 2,111 2,111 — — 2,111 Time deposits 1,433 — 1,433 — 1,433 Other non-current assets: Loans granted 30 — 31 — 31 Restricted cash and cash deposits 37 37 — — 37 Liabilities Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 2,270 1,534 736 — 2,270 Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 6,618 6,267 692 — 6,959 December 31, 2018 Carrying Total ($ in millions) value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 fair value Assets Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities up to 3 months): Cash 1,983 1,983 — — 1,983 Time deposits 1,462 — 1,462 — 1,462 Marketable securities and short-term investments (excluding securities): Time deposits 1 — 1 — 1 Receivables under reverse repurchase agreements 206 — 206 — 206 Other non-current assets: Loans granted 30 — 31 — 31 Restricted cash and cash deposits 39 39 — — 39 Liabilities Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 2,008 1,480 528 — 2,008 Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 6,457 5,839 707 — 6,546

Receivables, net and Contract_2

Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities
Receivables, net	December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Trade receivables 5,967 5,970 Other receivables 695 635 Allowance ( 228) ( 219) Total 6,434 6,386
Reconciliation of changes in allowance for doubtful accounts	($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Balance at January 1, 219 202 202 Additions 93 126 61 Deductions ( 81) ( 93) ( 74) Exchange rate differences ( 3) ( 16) 13 Balance at December 31, 228 219 202
Information about contract assets and contract liabilities	($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Contract assets 1,025 1,082 1,141 Contract liabilities 1,719 1,707 1,792
Significant changes in contract assets and contract liabilities	2019 2018 Contract Contract Contract Contract ($ in millions) assets liabilities assets liabilities Revenue recognized, which was included in the Contract liabilities balance at Jan 1, 2019/2018 ( 1,158) ( 879) Additions to Contract liabilities - excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 1,255 518 Receivables recognized that were included in the Contract assets balance at Jan 1, 2019/2018 ( 786) ( 633)

Inventories, net (Tables)

Inventories, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventories, net
Inventories, net	December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Raw materials 1,760 1,823 Work in process 819 837 Finished goods 1,499 1,525 Advances to suppliers 106 99 Total 4,184 4,284

Property, plant and equipment_2

Property, plant and equipment, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, net	December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Land and buildings 3,568 3,573 Machinery and equipment 5,620 5,624 Construction in progress 500 464 9,688 9,661 Accumulated depreciation ( 5,716) ( 5,528) Total 3,972 4,133
Schedule of assets under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment, net	December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Land and buildings 142 171 Machinery and equipment 62 69 204 240 Accumulated depreciation ( 99) ( 122) Total 105 118

Goodwill and other intangible_2

Goodwill and other intangibles assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill and other intangibles assets
Changes in Goodwill	Robotics & Industrial Discrete Corporate ($ in millions) Electrification Automation Motion Automation and Other Total Cost at January 1, 2018 2,969 1,631 2,470 2,445 39 9,554 Accumulated impairment charges — — — — ( 18) ( 18) Balance at January 1, 2018 2,969 1,631 2,470 2,445 21 9,536 Goodwill acquired during the year 1,442 — — 30 — 1,472 Goodwill allocated to disposals ( 31) — — — — ( 31) Exchange rate differences and other ( 104) ( 15) ( 29) ( 65) — ( 213) Balance at December 31, 2018 4,276 1,616 2,441 2,410 21 10,764 Goodwill acquired during the year (1) 92 — — — — 92 Goodwill allocated to disposals ( 18) — — — — ( 18) Exchange rate differences and other 22 ( 1) ( 5) ( 29) — ( 13) Balance at December 31, 2019 4,372 1,615 2,436 2,381 21 10,825 (1) Amount consists of adjustments arising during the twelve-month measurement period subsequent to the respective acquisition date (see Note 4).
Intangible assets other than goodwill	December 31, 2019 2018 Gross Net Gross Net carrying Accumulated carrying carrying Accumulated carrying ($ in millions) amount amortization amount amount amortization amount Capitalized software for internal use 790 ( 628) 162 779 ( 586) 193 Capitalized software for sale 29 ( 29) — 30 ( 30) — Intangibles other than software: Customer-related 2,513 ( 1,005) 1,508 2,609 ( 909) 1,700 Technology-related 1,056 ( 722) 334 1,131 ( 701) 430 Marketing-related 501 ( 286) 215 483 ( 240) 243 Other 59 ( 26) 33 67 ( 26) 41 Total 4,948 ( 2,696) 2,252 5,099 ( 2,492) 2,607
Schedule of additions to intangible assets other than goodwill	($ in millions) 2019 2018 Capitalized software for internal use 42 139 Intangibles other than software: Customer-related — 214 Technology-related — 87 Marketing-related — 122 Other — 34 Total 42 596
Schedule of additions to intangible assets other than goodwill related to business combinations	2018 Amount Weighted-average ($ in millions) acquired useful life Capitalized software for internal use 65 2 years Intangibles other than software: Customer-related 214 14 years Technology-related 87 7 years Marketing-related 122 13 years Other 34 13 years Total 522
Amortization expense of intangible assets other than goodwill	($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Capitalized software for internal use 74 59 50 Intangibles other than software 271 279 237 Total 345 338 287
Future amortization expense of intangible assets other than goodwill	($ in millions) 2020 337 2021 301 2022 253 2023 233 2024 211 Thereafter 917 Total 2,252

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt
Schedule of short-term debt	December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Short-term debt (weighted-average interest rate of 2.8% and 2.3%, respectively) 838 561 Current maturities of long-term debt (weighted-average nominal interest rate of 0.7% and 2.7%, respectively) 1,449 1,470 Total 2,287 2,031
Schedule of long-term debt	December 31, 2019 2018 Nominal Effective Nominal Effective ($ in millions, except % data) Balance rate rate Balance rate rate Floating rate 2,221 1.5% 1.1% 3,106 1.7% 1.1% Fixed rate 6,000 2.8% 2.4% 4,951 3.6% 3.6% 8,221 8,057 Current portion of long-term debt ( 1,449) 0.7% 0.6% ( 1,470) 2.7% 2.7% Total 6,772 6,587
Schedule of principal amounts of long-term debt repayable at maturity	($ in millions) 2020 1,433 2021 1,273 2022 1,259 2023 1,237 2024 1,136 Thereafter 1,681 Total 8,019
Schedule of outstanding bonds	December 31, 2019 2018 Nominal Carrying Nominal Carrying outstanding value (1) outstanding value (1) (in millions) (in millions) Bonds: 2.625% EUR Instruments, due 2019 EUR 1,250 $ 1,431 2.8% USD Notes, due 2020 USD 300 $ 300 USD 300 $ 299 Floating EUR Notes, due 2020 EUR 1,000 $ 1,122 4.0% USD Notes, due 2021 USD 650 $ 648 USD 650 $ 646 2.25% CHF Bonds, due 2021 CHF 350 $ 373 CHF 350 $ 373 5.625% USD Notes, due 2021 USD 250 $ 260 USD 250 $ 265 2.875% USD Notes, due 2022 USD 1,250 $ 1,267 USD 1,250 $ 1,242 3.375% USD Notes, due 2023 USD 450 $ 448 USD 450 $ 448 0.625% EUR Instruments, due 2023 EUR 700 $ 799 EUR 700 $ 807 0.75% EUR Instruments, due 2024 EUR 750 $ 859 EUR 750 $ 862 0.3% CHF Notes, due 2024 CHF 280 $ 288 3.8% USD Notes, due 2028 USD 750 $ 746 USD 750 $ 746 1.0% CHF Notes, due 2029 CHF 170 $ 175 4.375% USD Notes, due 2042 USD 750 $ 724 USD 750 $ 723 Total $ 8,009 $ 7,842 (1) USD carrying values include unamortized debt issuance costs, bond discounts or premiums, as well as adjustments for fair value hedge accounting, where appropriate.

Other provisions, other curre_2

Other provisions, other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other provisions, other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities
Schedule of Other provisions	December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Contract-related provisions 607 590 Restructuring and restructuring-related provisions 234 277 Provisions for contractual penalties and compliance and litigation matters 209 209 Provision for insurance-related reserves 168 166 Other 157 130 Total 1,375 1,372
Schedule of Other current liabilities	December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Employee-related liabilities 1,396 1,506 Accrued expenses 592 546 Non-trade payables 442 477 Income taxes payable 355 260 Accrued customer rebates 287 299 Other tax liabilities 282 277 Derivative liabilities (see Note 6) 143 192 Accrued interest 44 73 Pension and other employee benefits 36 34 Deferred income 25 36 Other 159 80 Total 3,761 3,780
Schedule of Other non-current liabilities	December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Income tax related liabilities 1,218 1,111 Provisions for contractual penalties and compliance and litigation matters 112 132 Employee-related liabilities 72 74 Environmental provisions 48 56 Derivative liabilities (see Note 6) 23 37 Deferred income 7 12 Other 189 267 Total 1,669 1,689

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases
Components of lease expense	($ in millions) 2019 Land and Machinery buildings and equipment Total Operating lease cost 268 101 369 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets 13 20 33 Interest on lease liabilities 1 2 3 Variable lease cost (1) — 5 5 Short-term lease cost 19 29 48 Sub-lease income ( 2) — ( 2) Total lease expense 299 157 456 (1) Primarily relates to variable payments that are tied to the consumer price index and are therefore included in the measurement of the right-of-use asset or lease liability.
Summary of additional lease expense	($ in millions) 2019 Land and Machinery buildings and equipment Total Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases 252 96 348 Operating cash flows from finance leases 1 2 3 Financing cash flows from finance leases 8 12 20 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new liabilities: Under operating leases 153 52 205 Under finance leases 23 18 41
Future net minimum lease payments for capital leases and the present value of the net minimum lease payments	($ in millions) Operating Leases Finance Leases Land and Machinery Land and Machinery buildings and equipment buildings and equipment 2020 222 86 23 14 2021 178 41 24 11 2022 137 21 23 8 2023 105 10 20 4 2024 86 8 21 1 Thereafter 226 5 84 — Total minimum lease payments 954 171 195 38 Less amount representing estimated executory costs included in total minimum lease payments — — ( 1) — Net minimum lease payments 954 171 194 38 Difference between undiscounted cash flows and discounted cash flows ( 98) ( 5) ( 59) ( 2) Present value of minimum lease payments 856 166 135 36
Lease terms and discount rates	($ in millions) Operating Leases Finance Leases Land and Machinery Land and Machinery buildings and equipment buildings and equipment Weighted-average remaining term (months) 78 29 110 33 Weighted-average discount rate 3.0% 2.2% 8.2% 2.8%

Commitments and contingencies (

Commitments and contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and contingencies
Best estimate of future payments for guarantee obligations	December 31, 2019 2018 Maximum potential ($ in millions) payments (1) Performance guarantees 1,860 1,584 Financial guarantees 10 10 Indemnification guarantees 64 64 Total 1,934 1,658 (1) Maximum potential payments include amounts in both continuing and discontinued operations
Provisions for warranties	($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Balance at January 1, 948 909 815 Net change in warranties due to acquisitions, divestments and liabilities held for sale (1) ( 88) 41 30 Claims paid in cash or in kind ( 310) ( 307) ( 243) Net increase in provision for changes in estimates, warranties issued and warranties expired 276 341 234 Exchange rate differences ( 10) ( 36) 73 Balance at December 31, 816 948 909 (1) Includes adjustments to the initial purchase price allocation recorded during the measurement period. a

Income taxes (Tables)

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income taxes
Schedule of income tax expense	($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Current taxes 855 686 782 Deferred taxes ( 83) ( 142) ( 199) Tax expense from continuing operations 772 544 583 Tax expense from discontinued operations 167 228 273
Effective tax rate for the year	($ in millions, except % data) 2019 2018 2017 Income from continuing operations before taxes 1,862 2,119 2,102 Weighted-average global tax rate 18.3% 22.2% 23.6% Income taxes at weighted-average tax rate 341 470 497 Items taxed at rates other than the weighted-average tax rate ( 7) ( 43) ( 114) Changes in valuation allowance, net 198 41 763 Effects of changes in tax laws and (enacted) tax rates 63 1 ( 747) Non-deductible expenses 44 86 58 Other, net 133 ( 11) 126 Tax expense from continuing operations 772 544 583 Effective tax rate for the year 41.5% 25.7% 27.7%
Components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities from continued operations	December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets: Unused tax losses and credits 507 600 Provisions and other accrued liabilities 650 769 Pension 592 476 Inventories 463 253 Intangibles and other non-current assets 972 1,031 Other 300 122 Total gross deferred tax asset 3,484 3,251 Valuation allowance ( 1,632) ( 1,535) Total gross deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance 1,852 1,716 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment ( 244) ( 202) Intangibles and other assets ( 679) ( 770) Pension and other liabilities ( 538) ( 153) Inventories ( 39) ( 67) Unremitted earnings ( 353) ( 445) Total gross deferred tax liability ( 1,853) ( 1,637) Net deferred tax asset (liability ) ( 1) 79 Included in: “Deferred taxes”—non-current assets 910 1,006 “Deferred taxes”—non-current liabilities ( 911) ( 927) Net deferred tax asset (liability) ( 1) 79
Unrecognized tax benefits	Penalties and interest related to Unrecognized unrecognized ($ in millions) tax benefits tax benefits Total Classification as unrecognized tax items on January 1, 2017 760 172 932 Increase relating to prior year tax positions 115 103 218 Decrease relating to prior year tax positions ( 76) ( 37) ( 113) Increase relating to current year tax positions 223 — 223 Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities ( 23) ( 2) ( 25) Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations ( 75) ( 12) ( 87) Exchange rate differences 101 18 119 Balance at December 31, 2017, which would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate 1,025 242 1,267 Net change due to acquisitions and divestments 8 — 8 Increase relating to prior year tax positions 35 37 72 Decrease relating to prior year tax positions ( 99) 14 ( 85) Increase relating to current year tax positions 126 5 131 Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities ( 44) ( 17) ( 61) Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations ( 66) ( 31) ( 97) Exchange rate differences ( 24) ( 11) ( 35) Balance at December 31, 2018, which would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate 961 239 1,200 Net change due to acquisitions and divestments 11 7 18 Increase relating to prior year tax positions 202 85 287 Decrease relating to prior year tax positions ( 82) ( 63) ( 145) Increase relating to current year tax positions 163 6 169 Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities ( 57) ( 8) ( 65) Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations ( 83) ( 28) ( 111) Exchange rate differences ( 9) ( 5) ( 14) Balance at December 31, 2019, which would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate 1,106 233 1,339
Open tax years subject to examination	Region Year Europe 2011 The Americas 2016 Asia, Middle East and Africa 2010

Employee benefits (Tables)

Employee benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Employee benefits
Change in benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status recognized in balance sheet	Other Defined pension postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Benefit obligations at January 1, 3,993 4,055 7,429 7,892 120 132 Service cost 76 92 113 122 1 1 Interest cost 15 30 174 198 4 4 Contributions by plan participants 75 69 19 16 — — Benefit payments ( 244) ( 239) ( 404) ( 318) ( 10) ( 11) Benefit obligations of businesses acquired (divested) — 10 ( 21) 60 — 8 Actuarial (gain) loss 323 6 617 ( 92) ( 1) ( 12) Plan amendments and other — ( 4) 9 ( 119) ( 5) — Exchange rate differences 70 ( 26) ( 58) ( 330) 1 ( 2) Benefit obligation at December 31, 4,308 3,993 7,878 7,429 110 120 Fair value of plan assets at January 1, 3,879 4,020 5,866 6,514 — — Actual return on plan assets 320 ( 41) 689 ( 184) — — Contributions by employer 91 89 115 152 10 11 Contributions by plan participants 75 69 19 16 — — Benefit payments ( 244) ( 239) ( 404) ( 318) ( 10) ( 11) Plan assets of businesses acquired (divested) — 7 ( 12) 39 — — Plan amendments and other — — — ( 94) — — Exchange rate differences 68 ( 26) ( 27) ( 259) — — Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 4,189 3,879 6,246 5,866 — — Funded status — underfunded ( 119) ( 114) ( 1,632) ( 1,563) ( 110) ( 120)
Amount recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss	December 31, 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Defined pension Other postretirement ($ in millions) benefits benefits Net actuarial (loss) gain ( 2,777) ( 2,628) ( 2,321) 28 30 20 Prior service credit 62 74 99 13 23 27 Amount recognized in OCI (1) (2) ( 2,715) ( 2,554) ( 2,222) 41 53 47 Taxes associated with amount recognized in OCI and NCI 571 535 503 — — — Amount recognized in OCI and NCI, net of tax (3) ( 2,144) ( 2,019) ( 1,719) 41 53 47 (1) OCI represents “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”. (2) NCI represents “Noncontrolling interests”. (3) NCI, net of tax, amounted to $ 0 million, $( 1) million, and $ 0 million at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Schedule of amounts recognized in balance sheet	December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits ($ in millions) Switzerland International International Overfunded plans 62 24 71 59 — — Underfunded plans — current ( 78) — ( 295) ( 19) ( 14) ( 11) Underfunded plans — non-current ( 103) ( 138) ( 1,408) ( 1,603) ( 96) ( 109) Funded status - underfunded ( 119) ( 114) ( 1,632) ( 1,563) ( 110) ( 120) Amounts reported as assets and liabilities held for sale ( 78) ( 93) ( 277) ( 120) ( 5) — December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Non-current assets Overfunded pension plans 132 83 Other employee-related benefits 1 1 Pension and other employee benefits 133 84 December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Current liabilities Underfunded pension plans ( 374) ( 19) Underfunded other postretirement benefit plans ( 14) ( 11) Other employee-related benefits ( 72) ( 10) Pension and other employee benefits ( 460) ( 40) Amounts reported as Current liabilities held for sale ( 424) ( 4) December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Non-current liabilities Underfunded pension plans ( 1,510) ( 1,741) Underfunded other postretirement benefit plans ( 96) ( 109) Other employee-related benefits ( 186) ( 246) Pension and other employee benefits ( 1,792) ( 2,096) Amounts reported as Non-current liabilities held for sale — ( 266)
Schedule of PBO in excess of fair value of plan assets or ABO in excess of fair value of plan assets	PBO exceeds fair value of plan assets ABO exceeds fair value of plan assets ($ in millions) Switzerland International Switzerland International December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 PBO 3,769 3,482 7,346 6,897 3,769 3,482 7,228 6,872 ABO 3,769 3,482 7,156 6,743 3,769 3,482 7,054 6,724 Fair value of plan assets 3,588 3,344 5,643 5,275 3,588 3,344 5,537 5,254
Component of net periodic benefit cost	Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Operational pension cost: Service cost 76 92 106 113 122 122 1 1 1 Operational pension cost 76 92 106 113 122 122 1 1 1 Non-operational pension cost (credit): Interest cost 15 30 41 174 198 208 4 4 5 Expected return on plan assets ( 112) ( 117) ( 112) ( 276) ( 305) ( 295) — — — Amortization of prior service cost (credit) ( 14) ( 15) 10 2 1 1 ( 5) ( 5) ( 5) Amortization of net actuarial loss — — — 108 92 91 ( 3) ( 1) ( 1) Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits 11 — — 27 23 16 ( 10) — ( 1) Non-operational pension cost (credit) ( 100) ( 102) ( 61) 35 9 21 ( 14) ( 2) ( 2) Net periodic benefit cost ( 24) ( 10) 45 148 131 143 ( 13) ( 1) ( 1)
Weighted-average assumptions, Benefit obligation	December 31, 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits (in %) Switzerland International International Discount rate 0.2 0.8 2.0 2.8 2.8 3.9 Rate of compensation increase — — 2.2 2.4 0.2 0.2 Rate of pension increase — — 1.3 1.4 — — Cash balance interest credit rate 1.0 1.0 1.6 1.6 — —
Weighted-average assumptions, Net periodic benefit cost	Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International (in %) 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Discount rate 0.8 0.8 1.1 2.8 2.6 2.9 3.9 3.2 3.3 Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.9 4.9 5.0 — — — Rate of compensation increase — — — 2.4 2.5 2.5 0.2 — — Cash balance interest credit rate 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.6 1.7 1.7 — — —
Health care cost trend assumptions	December 31, 2019 2018 Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.3% 6.7% Rate to which the trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) 5.0% 5.0% Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2028 2028
Target asset allocation on weighted-average basis	Target (in %) Switzerland International Asset class Equity 19 19 Fixed income 54 64 Real estate 22 7 Other 5 10 Total 100 100
Fair value of pension plan assets by asset category	December 31, 2019 Not subject Total ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 to leveling (1) fair value Asset class Equity Equity securities 224 7 — 231 Mutual funds/commingled funds — 1,687 23 1,710 Emerging market mutual funds/commingled funds — 339 — 339 Fixed income Government and corporate securities 521 1,013 — 1,534 Government and corporate—mutual funds/commingled funds — 3,738 31 3,769 Emerging market bonds—mutual funds/commingled funds — 805 — 805 Real estate — — 1,433 1,433 Insurance contracts — 123 — 123 Cash and short-term investments 101 152 — 253 Private equity — — 211 211 Hedge funds — — 1 1 Commodities — 26 — 26 Total 846 7,890 1,699 10,435 December 31, 2018 Not subject Total ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 to leveling (1) fair value Asset class Equity Equity securities 209 — — 209 Mutual funds/commingled funds — 1,433 39 1,472 Emerging market mutual funds/commingled funds — 363 — 363 Fixed income Government and corporate securities 524 997 — 1,521 Government and corporate—mutual funds/commingled funds — 3,496 — 3,496 Emerging market bonds—mutual funds/commingled funds — 729 — 729 Real estate — — 1,381 1,381 Insurance contracts — 121 — 121 Cash and short-term investments 202 86 — 288 Private equity — — 139 139 Hedge funds — — 2 2 Commodities — 24 — 24 Total 935 7,249 1,561 9,745 (1) Amounts relate to assets measured using the NAV practical expedient which are not subject to leveling.
Schedule of employer contributions to pension and other postretirement benefit plans	Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 Total contributions to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans 91 89 115 152 10 11 Of which, discretionary contributions to defined benefit pension plans 2 — 8 25 — —
Expected future cash flows of pension and postretirement benefit plans	Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits ($ in millions) Switzerland International International 2020 335 341 10 2021 254 347 9 2022 239 346 9 2023 226 343 9 2024 215 344 8 Years 2025 - 2029 961 1,727 34

Share-based payment arrangeme_2

Share-based payment arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Assumptions used in valuation of options	2019 2018 2017 Expected volatility 19% 17% 19% Dividend yield 4.7% 3.1% 4.7% Expected term 6 years 6 years 6 years Risk-free interest rate - 0.9% - 0.1% - 0.1%
Summary of activity related to options	Weighted- Weighted- Aggregate average average intrinsic exercise remaining value Number of Number of price contractual (in millions options shares (in Swiss term of Swiss (in millions) (in millions) (1) francs) (2) (in years) francs) (3) Outstanding at January 1, 2019 444.9 89.0 21.54 Granted 63.5 12.7 19.00 Forfeited ( 9.9) ( 2.0) 22.87 Expired ( 81.0) ( 16.2) 21.50 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 417.6 83.5 21.13 3.0 189 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019 413.6 82.7 21.15 3.0 185 Exercisable at December 31, 2019 239.6 47.9 20.78 1.8 124 (1) Information presented reflects the number of ABB Ltd shares that can be received upon exercise, as options have a conversion ratio of 5:1. (2) Information presented reflects the exercise price per ABB Ltd share. (3) Computed using the closing price, in Swiss francs, of ABB Ltd shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the exercise price of each option in Swiss francs.
Summary of options by exercise price	Weighted- average Number of Number of remaining options shares contractual Exercise price (in Swiss francs) (1) (in millions) (in millions) (2) term (in years) 21.00 72.3 14.5 0.7 19.50 78.1 15.6 1.6 21.50 72.7 14.5 2.7 22.50 66.1 13.2 3.6 23.50 65.0 13.0 4.7 19.00 63.4 12.7 5.7 Total number of options and shares 417.6 83.5 3.0
Summary of activity, WARs	Number of WARs (in millions) Outstanding at January 1, 2019 41.2 Granted 10.9 Exercised ( 8.9) Forfeited ( 0.3) Expired ( 3.0) Outstanding at December 31, 2019 39.9 Exercisable at December 31, 2019 11.5
Assumptions used for ESAP fair value calculation	2019 2018 2017 Expected volatility 18% 19% 17% Dividend yield 4.1% 4.1% 3.1% Expected term 1 year 1 year 1 year Risk-free interest rate - 0.7% - 0.6% - 0.6%
ESAP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of activity related to options	Weighted- Weighted- Aggregate average average intrinsic exercise remaining value Number of price contractual (in millions shares (in Swiss term of Swiss (in millions) (1) francs) (2) (in years) francs) (2)(3) Outstanding at January 1, 2019 3.6 20.38 Granted 2.3 20.78 Forfeited ( 0.3) 20.38 Exercised (4) ( 0.5) 20.38 Not exercised (savings returned plus interest) ( 2.8) 20.38 Outstanding at December 31, 2019 2.3 20.78 0.8 6.0 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2019 2.2 20.78 0.8 5.7 Exercisable at December 31, 2019 — — — — (1) Includes shares represented by ADS. (2) Information presented for ADS is based on equivalent Swiss franc denominated awards. (3) Computed using the closing price, in Swiss francs, of ABB Ltd shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the exercise price of each option in Swiss francs. (4) The cash received upon exercise was approximately $ 10 million. The shares were delivered out of treasury stock.
LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of activity related to options	Weighted-average Number of Shares grant-date Conditionally Granted fair value per share (in millions) (Swiss francs) Nonvested at January 1, 2019 1.3 21.61 Granted 1.1 15.94 Vested ( 1.1) 18.49 Forfeited ( 0.3) 19.68 Nonvested at December 31, 2019 1.0 19.26

Earnings per share (Tables)

Earnings per share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share	Basic earnings per share: ($ in millions, except per share data in $) 2019 2018 2017 Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders: Income from continuing operations, net of tax 1,043 1,514 1,441 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 396 659 772 Net income 1,439 2,173 2,213 Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,133 2,132 2,138 Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders: Income from continuing operations, net of tax 0.49 0.71 0.67 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 0.19 0.31 0.36 Net income 0.67 1.02 1.04
Diluted earnings per share	Diluted earnings per share: ($ in millions, except per share data in $) 2019 2018 2017 Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders: Income from continuing operations, net of tax 1,043 1,514 1,441 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 396 659 772 Net income 1,439 2,173 2,213 Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,133 2,132 2,138 Effect of dilutive securities: Call options and shares 2 7 10 Adjusted weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,135 2,139 2,148 Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders: Income from continuing operations, net of tax 0.49 0.71 0.67 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 0.19 0.31 0.36 Net income 0.67 1.02 1.03

Other comprehensive income (Tab

Other comprehensive income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Other comprehensive income
Schedule of tax effects allocated to each component of total other comprehensive income (loss)	2019 2018 2017 Before Tax Net of Before Tax Net of Before Tax Net of ($ in millions) tax effect tax tax effect tax tax effect tax Foreign currency translation adjustments: Foreign currency translation adjustments ( 130) — ( 130) ( 641) 14 ( 627) 911 1 912 Gain on liquidation of foreign subsidiary — — — ( 31) — ( 31) — — — Changes attributable to divestments (1) ( 2) — ( 2) 12 — 12 12 — 12 Net change during the year ( 132) — ( 132) ( 660) 14 ( 646) 923 1 924 Available-for-sale securities: Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year 16 ( 2) 14 ( 5) 1 ( 4) 1 — 1 Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income 1 ( 1) — 1 — 1 — — — Net change during the year 17 ( 3) 14 ( 4) 1 ( 3) 1 — 1 Pension and other postretirement plans: Prior service (costs) credits arising during the year 3 3 6 ( 11) 4 ( 7) ( 20) 4 ( 16) Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the year ( 293) 73 ( 220) ( 411) 59 ( 352) ( 184) 45 ( 139) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net income ( 25) ( 3) ( 28) ( 19) ( 5) ( 24) 6 — 6 Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income 99 ( 31) 68 91 ( 22) 69 90 ( 27) 63 Net losses from pension settlements included in net income 38 ( 6) 32 23 ( 4) 19 13 ( 4) 9 Changes attributable to divestments (1) — — — — — — 8 ( 2) 6 Net change during the year ( 178) 36 ( 142) ( 327) 32 ( 295) ( 87) 16 ( 71) Cash flow hedge derivatives: Net gains (losses) arising during the year 20 — 20 ( 51) 2 ( 49) 45 ( 7) 38 Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income ( 9) — ( 9) 20 1 21 ( 26) 4 ( 22) Changes attributable to divestments (1) — — — — — — ( 4) 1 ( 3) Net change during the year 11 — 11 ( 31) 3 ( 28) 15 ( 2) 13 Total other comprehensive income (loss) ( 282) 33 ( 249) ( 1,022) 50 ( 972) 852 15 867 (1) Includes adjustments to the initial purchase price allocation recorded during the measurement period. a
Schedule of changes in component of accumulated other comprehensive loss (OCI), net of tax	Unrealized Pension and Unrealized Foreign gains (losses) other post- gains (losses) Accumulated currency on available- retirement of cash other translation for-sale plan flow hedge comprehensive ($ in millions) adjustments securities adjustments derivatives loss Balance at January 1, 2017 ( 3,592) 7 ( 1,601) ( 1) ( 5,187) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications 912 1 ( 155) 38 796 Amounts reclassified from OCI — — 78 ( 22) 56 Changes attributable to divestments 12 — 6 ( 3) 15 Total other comprehensive (loss) income 924 1 ( 71) 13 867 Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests 25 — — — 25 Balance at December 31, 2017 ( 2,693) 8 ( 1,672) 12 ( 4,345) Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles (1) — ( 9) — — ( 9) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications ( 627) ( 4) ( 359) ( 49) ( 1,039) Amounts reclassified from OCI ( 31) 1 64 21 55 Changes attributable to divestments 12 — — — 12 Total other comprehensive (loss) income ( 646) ( 3) ( 295) ( 28) ( 972) Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests ( 15) — — — ( 15) Balance at December 31, 2018 ( 3,324) ( 4) ( 1,967) ( 16) ( 5,311) Adoption of an accounting standard update (2) — — ( 36) — ( 36) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications ( 130) 14 ( 214) 20 ( 310) Amounts reclassified from OCI — — 72 ( 9) 63 Changes attributable to divestments ( 2) — — — ( 2) Total other comprehensive (loss) income ( 132) 14 ( 142) 11 ( 249) Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests ( 6) — — — ( 6) Balance at December 31, 2019 ( 3,450) 10 ( 2,145) ( 5) ( 5,590) (1) Amounts relate to the adoption of two accounting standard updates in 2018 regarding the Recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities and Revenue from contracts with customers. (2) Amounts relate to the adoption of an accounting standard update in 2019 regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. See “Applicable for current periods” section of Note 2 for more details.
Schedule of amounts reclassified out of OCI in respect of Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments	($ in millions) Location of (gains) losses Details about OCI components reclassified from OCI 2019 2018 2017 Foreign currency translation adjustments: Gain on liquidation of foreign subsidiary Other income (expense), net — ( 31) — Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments: Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Non-operational pension (cost) credit (1) ( 25) ( 19) 6 Amortization of net actuarial loss Non-operational pension (cost) credit (1) 99 91 90 Net losses from pension settlements Non-operational pension (cost) credit (1) 38 23 13 Total before tax 112 95 109 Tax Provision for taxes ( 40) ( 31) ( 31) Amounts reclassified from OCI 72 64 78 (1) Amounts include a total of $ 6 million, $ 12 million and $ 9 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, reclassified from OCI to Income from discontinued operations.

Restructuring and related exp_2

Restructuring and related expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
White Collar Productivity program
Schedule of liabilities associated with restructuring program	Contract settlement, Employee loss order ($ in millions) severance costs and other costs Total Liability at January 1, 2015 — — — Expenses 300 3 303 Cash payments ( 27) — ( 27) Liability at December 31, 2015 273 3 276 Expenses 182 3 185 Cash payments ( 91) ( 2) ( 93) Change in estimates ( 85) ( 1) ( 86) Exchange rate differences ( 17) ( 1) ( 18) Liability at December 31, 2016 262 2 264 Expenses 28 3 31 Cash payments ( 92) ( 4) ( 96) Change in estimates ( 118) — ( 118) Exchange rate differences 21 — 21 Liability at December 31, 2017 101 1 102 Cash payments ( 55) — ( 55) Change in estimates and exchange rate differences ( 13) — ( 13) Liability at December 31, 2018 33 1 34
Restructuring cumulative costs incurred to date per operating segment	Cumulative costs Net costs incurred in incurred up to ($ in millions) 2017 (1) December 31, 2017 (1) Electrification ( 17) 72 Industrial Automation ( 23) 106 Motion ( 10) 42 Robotics & Discrete Automation ( 4) 14 Corporate and Other ( 32) 91 Total ( 86) 325 Amounts in the table above have been recast to reflect the reorganization of the Company’s operating segments in 2019 as outlined in Note 23.
Schedule of restructuring expenses, net of changes in estimates	Cumulative costs incurred up to ($ in millions) 2017 December 31, 2017 Employee severance costs ( 90) 307 Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs 3 8 Inventory and long-lived asset impairments 1 10 Total ( 86) 325
Schedule of allocation of restructuring and related expenses, net of changes in estimates	($ in millions) 2017 Total cost of sales ( 47) Selling, general and administrative expenses ( 35) Non-order related research and development expenses ( 5) Other income (expense), net 1 Total ( 86)
OS Program
Schedule of liabilities associated with restructuring program	Contract settlement, Employee loss order ($ in millions) severance costs and other costs Total Liability at January 1, 2018 — — — Expenses 65 — 65 Liability at December 31, 2018 65 — 65 Expenses 111 1 112 Cash payments ( 44) ( 1) ( 45) Change in estimates ( 30) — ( 30) Exchange rate differences ( 3) — ( 3) Liability at December 31, 2019 99 — 99
Restructuring cumulative costs incurred to date per operating segment	Cumulative costs Costs incurred in (1) incurred up to Total ($ in millions) 2019 2018 December 31, 2019 (1) expected costs (1) Electrification 18 32 50 80 Industrial Automation 3 21 24 40 Motion 6 1 7 50 Robotics & Discrete Automation 8 — 8 20 Corporate and Other 54 11 65 160 Total 89 65 154 350 (1) Amounts in the table above have been recast to reflect the reorganization of the Company’s operating segments in 2019 as outlined in Note 23.
Schedule of restructuring expenses, net of changes in estimates	Cumulative costs Costs incurred in incurred up to ($ in millions) 2019 2018 December 31, 2019 Employee severance costs 81 65 146 Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs 1 — 1 Inventory and long-lived asset impairments 7 — 7 Total 89 65 154
Schedule of allocation of restructuring and related expenses, net of changes in estimates	($ in millions) 2019 2018 Total cost of sales 8 35 Selling, general and administrative expenses 46 23 Non-order related research and development expenses 1 3 Other income (expense), net 34 4 Total 89 65
Other restructuring-related activities
Schedule of restructuring expenses, net of changes in estimates	($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Employee severance costs 55 74 130 Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs 37 29 32 Inventory and long-lived asset impairments 22 13 19 Total 114 116 181
Schedule of allocation of restructuring and related expenses, net of changes in estimates	($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Total cost of sales 46 24 119 Selling, general and administrative expenses 4 52 10 Non-order related research and development expenses — 2 — Other income (expense), net 64 38 52 Total 114 116 181

Operating segment and geograp_2

Operating segment and geographic data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating segment and geographic data
Schedule of segment revenues	2019 ($ in millions) Electrification Industrial Automation Motion Robotics & Discrete Automation Corporate and Other Total Geographical markets Europe 4,039 2,416 1,879 1,634 36 10,004 The Americas 4,568 1,582 2,315 453 1 8,919 Asia, Middle East and Africa 3,665 2,153 1,827 1,157 40 8,842 12,272 6,151 6,021 3,244 77 27,765 End Customer Markets Utilities 2,355 1,057 696 — 18 4,126 Industry 4,798 3,606 3,890 3,165 35 15,494 Transport and infrastructure 5,119 1,488 1,435 79 24 8,145 12,272 6,151 6,021 3,244 77 27,765 Product type Products 10,315 1,439 5,152 1,785 65 18,756 Systems 958 1,648 — 968 12 3,586 Services and software 999 3,064 869 491 — 5,423 12,272 6,151 6,021 3,244 77 27,765 Third-party revenues 12,272 6,151 6,021 3,244 77 27,765 Intersegment revenues (1) 456 122 512 70 ( 947) 213 Total Revenues 12,728 6,273 6,533 3,314 ( 870) 27,978 2018 ($ in millions) Electrification Industrial Automation Motion Robotics & Discrete Automation Corporate and Other Total Geographical markets Europe 3,881 2,475 1,862 1,737 58 10,013 The Americas 3,650 1,467 2,389 476 21 8,003 Asia, Middle East and Africa 3,680 2,449 1,699 1,339 236 9,403 11,211 6,391 5,950 3,552 315 27,419 End Customer Markets Utilities 2,452 1,174 746 — 176 4,548 Industry 4,395 3,573 3,877 3,510 98 15,453 Transport and infrastructure 4,364 1,644 1,327 42 41 7,418 11,211 6,391 5,950 3,552 315 27,419 Product type Products 9,679 1,528 5,111 2,019 118 18,455 Systems 617 1,853 — 1,001 197 3,668 Services and software 915 3,010 839 532 — 5,296 11,211 6,391 5,950 3,552 315 27,419 Third-party revenues 11,211 6,391 5,950 3,552 315 27,419 Intersegment revenues (1) 475 109 513 59 ( 913) 243 Total Revenues 11,686 6,500 6,463 3,611 ( 598) 27,662 2017 ($ in millions) Electrification Industrial Automation Motion Robotics & Discrete Automation Corporate and Other Total Geographical markets Europe 3,514 2,470 1,657 1,259 132 9,032 The Americas 2,613 1,349 2,219 534 116 6,831 Asia, Middle East and Africa 3,464 2,515 1,473 1,125 493 9,070 9,591 6,334 5,349 2,918 741 24,933 End Customer Markets Utilities 2,597 1,273 628 — 575 5,073 Industry 4,022 3,398 3,488 2,891 155 13,954 Transport and infrastructure 2,972 1,663 1,233 27 11 5,906 9,591 6,334 5,349 2,918 741 24,933 Product type Products 8,322 1,406 4,595 1,489 169 15,981 Systems 614 2,089 — 926 565 4,194 Services and software 655 2,839 754 503 7 4,758 9,591 6,334 5,349 2,918 741 24,933 Third-party revenues 9,591 6,334 5,349 2,918 741 24,933 Intersegment revenues (1) 503 138 528 39 ( 945) 263 Total Revenues 10,094 6,472 5,877 2,957 ( 204) 25,196 (1) Intersegment revenues include sales to the Power Grids business which is presented as discontinued operations and are not eliminated from Total revenues (see Note 3).
Schedule of operational EBITA reconciliations	($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 Operational EBITA: Electrification 1,688 1,626 1,510 Industrial Automation 732 914 902 Motion 1,082 1,023 838 Robotics & Discrete Automation 393 528 473 Corporate and Other: — Non-core and divested businesses ( 145) ( 291) ( 163) — Stranded corporate costs ( 225) ( 297) ( 286) — Corporate costs and Other intersegment elimination ( 418) ( 498) ( 457) Total 3,107 3,005 2,817 Acquisition-related amortization ( 265) ( 273) ( 229) Restructuring, related and implementation costs (1) ( 300) ( 172) ( 300) Changes in obligations related to divested businesses ( 36) ( 106) ( 94) Changes in pre-acquisition estimates ( 22) ( 8) ( 8) Gains and losses from sale of businesses 55 57 252 Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale ( 421) — — Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs ( 121) ( 204) ( 81) Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations: Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange, commodities, embedded derivatives) 20 ( 1) 56 Realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged transaction has not yet been realized 8 ( 23) 8 Unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and related assets/liabilities) ( 7) ( 9) ( 30) Certain other non-operational items: Costs for planned divestment of Power Grids ( 141) — — Regulatory, compliance and legal costs ( 7) ( 34) ( 102) Business transformation costs ( 19) ( 17) — Executive Committee transition costs ( 14) — — Favorable resolution of an uncertain purchase price adjustment 92 — — Gain on sale of investments 15 — — Gain on liquidation of a foreign subsidiary — 31 — Asset write downs/impairments ( 4) ( 25) ( 40) Other non-operational items ( 2) 5 ( 19) Income from operations 1,938 2,226 2,230 Interest and dividend income 67 72 73 Interest and other finance expense ( 215) ( 262) ( 234) Non-operational pension (cost) credit 72 83 33 Income from continuing operations before taxes 1,862 2,119 2,102
Schedule of depreciation and amortization, capital expenditure and total assets after intersegment eliminations	Depreciation and Total assets (1), (2) amortization Capital expenditures (1) at December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Electrification 414 355 315 279 244 218 11,671 12,052 8,881 Industrial Automation 55 57 61 64 58 54 4,559 4,287 4,478 Motion 169 184 193 110 93 89 6,149 6,016 6,051 Robotics & Discrete Automation 124 127 73 59 74 44 4,661 4,760 4,848 Corporate and Other 199 193 194 250 303 347 19,068 17,326 19,200 Consolidated 961 916 836 762 772 752 46,108 44,441 43,458 (1) Capital expenditures and Total assets are after intersegment eliminations and therefore reflect third-party activities only. (2) At December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, Corporate and Other includes $ 9,840 million, $ 8,591 million and $ 8,603 million, respectively, of assets in the Power Grids business which is reported as discontinued operations (see Note 3).
Schedule of geographic information for long-lived assets	Long-lived assets at December 31, ($ in millions) 2019 2018 Europe 2,565 2,110 The Americas 1,469 1,168 Asia, Middle East and Africa 932 855 Total 4,966 4,133

Significant accounting polici_3

Significant accounting policies - General (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Operating cycle of a portion of the Company's activities	1 year
Voting rights in joint ventures and affiliated companies
Percentage of voting rights in joint ventures and affiliated companies required for using the equity method of accounting	20.00%
Maximum
Voting rights in joint ventures and affiliated companies
Percentage of voting rights in joint ventures and affiliated companies required for using the equity method of accounting	50.00%
Lease renewal term	5 years
Factories and office buildings | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment, average	30 years
Factories and office buildings | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment, average	40 years
Other facilities
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment, average	15 years
Machinery and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment, average	3 years
Machinery and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment, average	15 years
Furniture and office equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment, average	3 years
Furniture and office equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment, average	8 years

Significant accounting polici_4

Significant accounting policies - Intangibles (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Software for internal use | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life	3 years
Software for internal use | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years
Customer-, Technology- and Marketing-related intangibles | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years
Customer-, Technology- and Marketing-related intangibles | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life	20 years

Significant accounting polici_5

Significant accounting policies - New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 46,108		$ 44,441	$ 43,458
Total liabilities	32,128		29,907
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles		$ 0		(201)
Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles		36	36	(192)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles	$ (36)	(36)	$ (36)	$ (9)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | Adjustment
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Total assets		1,344
Total liabilities		1,360
Assets held for sale		148
Liabilities held for sale		$ 153

Basis of presentation and ass_3

Basis of presentation and assets held for sale - Discontinued operations and planned business divestments classified as held for sale (Details) € in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations before taxes		$ 1,862,000,000	$ 2,119,000,000	$ 2,102,000,000
Revenues		27,978,000,000	27,662,000,000	25,196,000,000
Operating results of the discontinued businesses
Provision for taxes		(167,000,000)	(228,000,000)	(273,000,000)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		438,000,000	723,000,000	846,000,000
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to parent		396,000,000	659,000,000	772,000,000
Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations
Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations	$ 5,164,000,000		5,164,000,000			$ 9,840,000,000
Non-current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations
Non-current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations	3,427,000,000		3,427,000,000			0
Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations
Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations	429,000,000		429,000,000			0
Power Grids business
Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations
Receivables, net	2,377,000,000		2,377,000,000			2,541,000,000
Contract assets	1,236,000,000		1,236,000,000			1,243,000,000
Inventories, net	1,457,000,000		1,457,000,000			1,667,000,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	0		0			1,754,000,000
Goodwill	0		0			1,631,000,000
Other current assets	94,000,000		94,000,000			1,004,000,000
Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations	5,164,000,000		5,164,000,000			9,840,000,000
Non-current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,477,000,000		1,477,000,000			0
Goodwill	1,620,000,000		1,620,000,000			0
Other non-current assets	330,000,000		330,000,000			0
Non-current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations	3,427,000,000		3,427,000,000			0
Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations
Accounts payable, trade	1,732,000,000		1,732,000,000			1,722,000,000
Contract liabilities	998,000,000		998,000,000			1,121,000,000
Pension and other employee benefits	0		0			419,000,000
Other current liabilities	1,455,000,000		1,455,000,000			1,984,000,000
Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations	4,185,000,000		4,185,000,000			5,246,000,000
Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations
Pension and other employee benefits	268,000,000		268,000,000			0
Other non-current liabilities	161,000,000		161,000,000			0
Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations	$ 429,000,000		429,000,000			0
Held for sale and discontinued operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues		213,000,000	243,000,000	263,000,000
Held for sale and discontinued operations | Power Grids business
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Divestment percentage	80.10%
Divestment value	$ 11,000,000,000		11,000,000,000
Net interest and other finance expense recorded on allocated basis		44,000,000	43,000,000	33,000,000
Depreciation and amortization			258,000,000	265,000,000
Separation costs incurred to execute the transaction		28,000,000	18,000,000
Operating results of the discontinued businesses
Total revenues		9,037,000,000	9,698,000,000	10,028,000,000
Total cost of sales		(6,983,000,000)	(7,378,000,000)	(7,501,000,000)
Gross profit		2,054,000,000	2,320,000,000	2,527,000,000
Expenses		(1,394,000,000)	(1,326,000,000)	(1,376,000,000)
Income from operations		660,000,000	994,000,000	1,152,000,000
Net interest and other finance expense		(61,000,000)	(55,000,000)	(42,000,000)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit		5,000,000	12,000,000	9,000,000
Income from discontinued operations before taxes		605,000,000	951,000,000	1,119,000,000
Provision for taxes		(167,000,000)	(228,000,000)	(273,000,000)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		438,000,000	723,000,000	846,000,000
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to parent		566,000,000	874,000,000	1,034,000,000
Held for sale and discontinued operations | Power Grids business | Corporate and Other
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Allocated overhead and other management costs reclassified to another segment		225,000,000	297,000,000	$ 286,000,000
Disposal group, held for sale, not discontinued operations | Solar Invertors business
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Divestment value						0
Amount payable to buyer					€ 266	299,000,000
Loss on write down of disposal group		421,000,000
Loss from cumulative translation adjustment, disposal group		99,000,000
Income from continuing operations before taxes		$ (490,000,000)	$ (94,000,000)
Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations
Receivables, net						70,000,000
Inventories, net						127,000,000
Property, plant and equipment, net						69,000,000
Other intangible assets, net						27,000,000
Other current assets						26,000,000
Valuation allowance on assets held for sale						(319,000,000)
Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations						0
Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations
Accounts payable, trade						86,000,000
Contract liabilities						59,000,000
Provisions for warranties						108,000,000
Other current liabilities						49,000,000
Fair value adjustment on disposal group						102,000,000
Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations						$ 404,000,000

Acquisitions and business div_3

Acquisitions and business divestments - Acquisitions (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)Item	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Item	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Item
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price for acquisitions (net of cash acquired)		$ 0	$ 2,638	$ 1,992
Aggregate excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired		$ 92	$ 1,472	$ 1,267
Number of acquired businesses | Item		0	3	4
Goodwill adjustment		$ (92)
Allocation of the purchase consideration for business acquisitions
Goodwill		10,825	$ 10,764	$ 9,536
Intangibles other than software: Customer-related
Allocation of the purchase consideration for business acquisitions
Weighted-average useful life (in years)			14 years
GEIS
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price for acquisitions (net of cash acquired)		2,622
Aggregate excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired		1,534
Goodwill adjustment		92
Proceeds from purchase price adjustment resolution		92
Acquisition price (net of cash acquired)	$ 2,622
Cash acquired from acquisition	$ 192
Receivables after adjusting for contractual cash flows not expected to be collected		624
Allocation of the purchase consideration for business acquisitions
Intangible assets		437
Fixed assets		373
Deferred tax liabilities		(45)
Inventories		405
Other assets and liabilities, net		(19)
Noncontrolling interest		(63)
Gross receivables acquired		658
Goodwill, tax deductible		769
GEIS | Technology
Allocation of the purchase consideration for business acquisitions
Intangible assets		$ 92
Weighted-average useful life (in years)		7 years
GEIS | Intangibles other than software: Customer-related
Allocation of the purchase consideration for business acquisitions
Intangible assets		$ 178
Weighted-average useful life (in years)		12 years
GEIS | Trade names
Allocation of the purchase consideration for business acquisitions
Intangible assets		$ 135
Weighted-average useful life (in years)		13 years
GEIS | Supply agreement
Allocation of the purchase consideration for business acquisitions
Intangible assets		$ 32
Weighted-average useful life (in years)		13 years
Business acquisitions in 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price for acquisitions (net of cash acquired)				1,992
Aggregate excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired				1,267
Allocation of the purchase consideration for business acquisitions
Intangible assets				737
Fixed assets				131
Debt acquired				(50)
Deferred tax liabilities				(249)
Inventories				176
Other assets and liabilities, net				(20)
Business acquisitions in 2017 | Technology
Allocation of the purchase consideration for business acquisitions
Intangible assets				$ 412
Weighted-average useful life (in years)				7 years
Business acquisitions in 2017 | Intangibles other than software: Customer-related
Allocation of the purchase consideration for business acquisitions
Intangible assets				$ 264
Weighted-average useful life (in years)				20 years
Business acquisitions in 2017 | Trade names
Allocation of the purchase consideration for business acquisitions
Intangible assets				$ 61
Weighted-average useful life (in years)				10 years

Acquisitions and business div_4

Acquisitions and business divestments - Acquisitions, Pro forma financial information (Details) - GEIS - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 1,317
Net income	1
Total revenues	28,936	$ 27,881
Income from continuing operation, net of tax	1,622	1,631
Impact on cost of sales from additional amortization of intangible assets	(10)	(20)
Impact on cost of sales from fair valuing acquired inventory	26	(26)
Impact on cost of sales from additional depreciation of property, plant and equipment	(4)	(8)
Impact on selling, general and administrative expenses from additional amortization of intangible assets	(5)	(12)
Impact on selling, general and administrative expenses from acquisition-related costs	44	20
Impact on interest expense from financing costs	(15)	(62)
Taxation adjustments	(5)	33
Total pro forma adjustments	$ 31	$ (75)

Acquisitions and business div_5

Acquisitions and business divestments - Divestments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017
Business divestments
Proceeds from divestments of consolidated businesses, net of transaction costs		$ 605
Net gains relating to divestments of consolidated businesses, net of transaction costs	$ 55	252
Loss of retained obligations changes		$ (94)

Cash and equivalents, marketa_3

Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments - Unrealized gains and losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis	$ 4,090	$ 4,165
Gross unrealized gains	21
Gross unrealized losses	(1)	(8)
Fair value	4,110	4,157
Cash and equivalents	3,544	3,445
Marketable securities and short-term investments	566	712
Securities for Reverse Repurchase Agreements		206
Changes in fair value recorded in net income
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis	3,838	3,858
Gross unrealized gains	10
Gross unrealized losses		(3)
Fair value	3,848	3,855
Cash and equivalents	3,544	3,445
Marketable securities and short-term investments	304	410
Cash
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis	2,111	1,983
Fair value	2,111	1,983
Cash and equivalents	2,111	1,983
Time deposits
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis	1,433	1,463
Fair value	1,433	1,463
Cash and equivalents	1,433	1,462
Marketable securities and short-term investments		1
Other short-term investments
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis		206
Fair value		206
Marketable securities and short-term investments		206
Equity securities
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis	294	206
Gross unrealized gains	10
Gross unrealized losses		(3)
Fair value	304	203
Marketable securities and short-term investments	304	203
Changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis	252	307
Gross unrealized gains	11
Gross unrealized losses	(1)	(5)
Fair value	262	302
Marketable securities and short-term investments	262	302
Debt securities - U.S. government obligations | Available-for-sale securities
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis	191	217
Gross unrealized gains	7
Gross unrealized losses	(1)	(3)
Fair value	197	214
Marketable securities and short-term investments	197	214
Debt securities - Corporate | Available-for-sale securities
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis	61	90
Gross unrealized gains	4
Gross unrealized losses		(2)
Fair value	65	88
Marketable securities and short-term investments	$ 65	$ 88

Cash and equivalents, marketa_4

Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments - Contractual maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Available-for-sale securities
Available-for-sale securities, One to five years, Cost basis	$ 125
Available-for-sale securities, Six to ten years, Cost basis	74
Available-for-sale securities, Due after ten years, Cost basis	53
Available-for-sale securities, Total Cost basis	252
Available-for-sale securities, One to five years, Fair value	126
Available-for-sale securities, Six to ten years, Fair value	77
Available-for-sale securities, Due after ten years, Fair value	59
Available-for-sale securities, Total Fair value	262
Available-for-sale marketable securities pledged as collateral	$ 66	$ 68
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Restriction Type [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AssetsPledgedAsCollateralMember	us-gaap:AssetsPledgedAsCollateralMember

Derivative financial instrume_3

Derivative financial instruments - General information and gain or loss recognized or reclassified (Details) Item in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)Itemozt	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Itemozt	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Itemozt
Derivative [Line Items]
Company policy, maximum level of hedging of foreign currency risk exposure as percentage of anticipated sales and purchases over the next 12 months (as a percent)	100.00%
Maximum number of months for which forecasted foreign currency exposures are hedged	12 months
Unrealized (losses) gains in OCI, net of tax, on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	$ (5)	$ (16)	$ 12
Expected losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges to be reclassified from OCI to earnings in the next fiscal year	$ (2)
Longest maturity of a derivative classified as a cash flow hedge	49 months
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	$ (167)	$ 0	$ 94
Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Percentage of commodity hedging on anticipated commodity exposure	50.00%
Commodity hedging on anticipated commodity exposure period	12 months
Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Percentage of commodity hedging on anticipated commodity exposure	100.00%
Commodity hedging on anticipated commodity exposure period	18 months
Copper swaps (in metric tonnes)
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of outstanding commodity derivatives | t	42,494	46,143	28,976
Aluminum swaps (in metric tonnes)
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of outstanding commodity derivatives | t	8,388	9,491	1,869
Silver swaps (in ounces)
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of outstanding commodity derivatives | oz	2,508,770	2,861,294	1,966,729
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative	$ 15,015	$ 13,612	$ 16,261
Foreign exchange contracts | Total revenues
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	(7)	(121)	92
Foreign exchange contracts | Total cost of sales
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	(64)	46	(41)
Foreign exchange contracts | Selling, general and administrative expenses
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	2	10	(18)
Foreign exchange contracts | Non-order related research and development expenses
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	1	(1)	0
Foreign exchange contracts | Interest and other finance expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	(122)	40	22
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative	924	733	899
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives | Total revenues
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	17	58	7
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives | Total cost of sales
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	(6)	(4)	(2)
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives | Selling, general and administrative expenses
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	0	2	5
Interest rate contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative	5,188	3,300	5,706
Interest rate contracts | Interest and other finance expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income on derivatives designated as fair value hedges	38	(4)	(23)
Gains (losses) recognized in income on hedged item	(38)	5	27
Commodity contracts | Total cost of sales
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	12	(33)	31
Other | Interest and other finance expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	$ 0	$ 3	$ (2)
Equity derivatives
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash-settled call options held on ABB Ltd shares | Item	40	41	37
Conversion ratio	5
Total fair value of cash settled call options on ABB Ltd shares	$ 26	$ 6	$ 42

Derivative financial instrume_4

Derivative financial instruments - Balance sheet location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$ 214	$ 181
Derivative liabilities	151	220
Current in "Other current assets"
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	120	143
Current in "Other current assets" | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	11	3
Current in "Other current assets" | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	109	140
Current in "Other current assets" | Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0
Current in "Other current assets" | Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	85	117
Current in "Other current assets" | Commodity contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	17	8
Current in "Other current assets" | Cash-settled call options | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	11	3
Current in "Other current assets" | Embedded foreign exchange derivatives | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	7	15
Non-current in "Other non-current assets"
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	104	63
Non-current in "Other non-current assets" | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	86	38
Non-current in "Other non-current assets" | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	18	25
Non-current in "Other non-current assets" | Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0
Non-current in "Other non-current assets" | Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	14	14
Non-current in "Other non-current assets" | Commodity contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	1
Non-current in "Other non-current assets" | Interest rate contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	72	35
Non-current in "Other non-current assets" | Cash-settled call options | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	14	3
Non-current in "Other non-current assets" | Embedded foreign exchange derivatives | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	3	10
Current in "Other current liabilities"
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	143	192
Current in "Other current liabilities" | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	2	3
Current in "Other current liabilities" | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	141	189
Current in "Other current liabilities" | Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	2		$ 1
Current in "Other current liabilities" | Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	127	160
Current in "Other current liabilities" | Commodity contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities			2
Current in "Other current liabilities" | Commodity contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	2	21
Current in "Other current liabilities" | Embedded foreign exchange derivatives | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	12	8
Non-current in "Other non-current liabilities"
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	23	37
Non-current in "Other non-current liabilities" | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	6	5
Non-current in "Other non-current liabilities" | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	17	32
Non-current in "Other non-current liabilities" | Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	6	4
Non-current in "Other non-current liabilities" | Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	14	30
Non-current in "Other non-current liabilities" | Commodity contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities		1
Non-current in "Other non-current liabilities" | Interest rate contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities		1
Non-current in "Other non-current liabilities" | Embedded foreign exchange derivatives | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	$ 3	$ 1	$ 1

Derivative financial instrume_5

Derivative financial instruments - Offsetting assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivatives
Gross amount of recognized assets	$ 214	$ 181
Derivative liabilities eligible for set-off in case of default	(102)	(121)
Net asset exposure	112	60
Reverse repurchase agreements
Gross amount of recognized assets		206
Non-cash collateral received		(206)
Total
Gross amount of recognized assets	214	387
Derivative liabilities eligible for set-off in case of default	(102)	(121)
Non-cash collateral received		(206)
Net asset exposure	$ 112	$ 60

Derivative financial instrume_6

Derivative financial instruments - Offsetting liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivatives
Gross amount of recognized liabilities	$ 151	$ 220
Derivative liabilities eligible for set-off in case of default	(102)	(121)
Net liability exposure	49	99
Total
Gross amount of recognized liabilities	151	220
Derivative liabilities eligible for set-off in case of default	(102)	(121)
Net liability exposure	$ 49	$ 99

Fair values - Fair value hierar

Fair values - Fair value hierarchy (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"	$ 566,000,000	$ 712,000,000
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities-current in "Other current liabilities"	143,000,000	192,000,000
Derivative liabilities-non-current in "Other non-current liabilities"	23,000,000	37,000,000
Financial assets reclassification from Level 1 to Level 2	0	0	$ 0
Financial assets reclassification from Level 2 to Level 1	0	0	0
Financial liabilities reclassification from Level 1 to Level 2	0	0	0
Financial liabilities reclassification from Level 2 to Level 1	0	0	$ 0
Recurring
Assets.
Derivative assets-current in "Other current assets"	120,000,000	143,000,000
Derivative assets-non-current in "Other non-current assets"	104,000,000	63,000,000
Total financial assets, fair value	790,000,000	711,000,000
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities-current in "Other current liabilities"	143,000,000	192,000,000
Derivative liabilities-non-current in "Other non-current liabilities"	23,000,000	37,000,000
Total financial liabilities, fair value	166,000,000	229,000,000
Non-recurring
Assets.
Total financial assets, fair value	0	0
Equity securities | Recurring
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"	304,000,000	203,000,000
Debt securities - U.S. government obligations | Recurring
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"	197,000,000	214,000,000
Debt securities - Corporate | Recurring
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"	65,000,000	88,000,000
Level 1 | Recurring
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"	197,000,000
Total financial assets, fair value		214,000,000
Level 1 | Debt securities - U.S. government obligations | Recurring
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"	197,000,000	214,000,000
Level 2 | Recurring
Assets.
Derivative assets-current in "Other current assets"	120,000,000	143,000,000
Derivative assets-non-current in "Other non-current assets"	104,000,000	63,000,000
Total financial assets, fair value	593,000,000	497,000,000
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities-current in "Other current liabilities"	143,000,000	192,000,000
Derivative liabilities-non-current in "Other non-current liabilities"	23,000,000	37,000,000
Total financial liabilities, fair value	166,000,000	229,000,000
Level 2 | Equity securities | Recurring
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"	304,000,000	203,000,000
Level 2 | Debt securities - Corporate | Recurring
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"	$ 65,000,000	$ 88,000,000

Fair values - Carrying value an

Fair values - Carrying value and fair value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Carrying value
Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities up to 3 months)
Cash	$ 2,111	$ 1,983
Time deposits	1,433	1,462
Marketable securities and short-term investments (excluding securities)
Time deposits		1
Receivables under reverse repurchase agreements		206
Other non-current assets:
Loans granted	30	30
Restricted cash and cash deposits	37	39
Liabilities
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)	2,270	2,008
Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)	6,618	6,457
Total fair value
Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities up to 3 months)
Cash	2,111	1,983
Time deposits	1,433	1,462
Marketable securities and short-term investments (excluding securities)
Time deposits		1
Receivables under reverse repurchase agreements		206
Other non-current assets:
Loans granted	31	31
Restricted cash and cash deposits	37	39
Liabilities
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)	2,270	2,008
Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)	6,959	6,546
Total fair value | Level 1
Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities up to 3 months)
Cash	2,111	1,983
Other non-current assets:
Restricted cash and cash deposits	37	39
Liabilities
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)	1,534	1,480
Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)	6,267	5,839
Total fair value | Level 2
Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities up to 3 months)
Time deposits	1,433	1,462
Marketable securities and short-term investments (excluding securities)
Time deposits		1
Receivables under reverse repurchase agreements		206
Other non-current assets:
Loans granted	31	31
Liabilities
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)	736	528
Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)	$ 692	$ 707

Receivables, net and Contract_3

Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities - Receivables, net and Allowance for doubtful accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities
Trade receivables				$ 5,967	$ 5,970
Other receivables				695	635
Allowance	$ (219)	$ (219)	$ (202)	(228)	(219)
Total receivables, net				6,434	6,386
Contractual retention amounts billed to customers				$ 151	$ 176
Percent of outstanding contractual retention amounts billed to customers expected to be collected in the year following the balance sheet date	76.00%
Percent of outstanding contractual retention amounts billed to customers expected to be collected the second year following the balance sheet date	17.00%
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance at January 1	$ 219	202	202
Additions	93	126	61
Deductions	(81)	(93)	(74)
Exchange rate differences	(3)	(16)	13
Balance at December 31	$ 228	$ 219	$ 202

Receivables, net and Contract_4

Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities - Contract assets and Contract liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities
Contract assets	$ 1,025	$ 1,082	$ 1,141
Contract liabilities	1,719	1,707	$ 1,792
Significant changes in the Contract assets and Contract liabilities balances
Revenue recognized, which was included in the Contract liabilities balance at Jan 1, 2019/2018	(1,158)	(879)
Additions to Contract liabilities - excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period	1,255	518
Receivables recognized that were included in the Contract assets balance at Jan 1, 2019/2018	$ (786)	$ (633)

Receivables, net and Contract_5

Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities - Performance obligations (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities
Performance obligation, unfulfilled orders	$ 13,324
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Period of performance obligation, unfulfilled orders	1 year
Percentage of performance obligation, unfulfilled orders	75.00%
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Period of performance obligation, unfulfilled orders	1 year
Percentage of performance obligation, unfulfilled orders	14.00%

Inventories, net (Details)

Inventories, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventories, net
Raw materials	$ 1,760	$ 1,823
Work in process	819	837
Finished goods	1,499	1,525
Advances to suppliers	106	99
Total inventory, net	$ 4,184	$ 4,284

Property, plant and equipment_3

Property, plant and equipment, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 9,688	$ 9,661
Accumulated depreciation	(5,716)	(5,528)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	3,972	4,133
Assets under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment, net
Capital lease assets, gross	204	240
Accumulated depreciation	(99)	(122)
Total capital lease assets, net	105	118
Depreciation expense
Depreciation expense including depreciation of assets under capital leases	616	578	$ 549
Land and buildings
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,568	3,573
Assets under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment, net
Capital lease assets, gross	142	171
Machinery and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, gross	5,620	5,624
Assets under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment, net
Capital lease assets, gross	62	69
Construction in progress
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 500	$ 464

Goodwill and other intangible_3

Goodwill and other intangibles assets - Changes in goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill
Goodwill, at cost			$ 9,554
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning balance			(18)
Goodwill at the opening balance	$ 10,764	$ 9,536
Goodwill acquired during the year	92	1,472	1,267
Goodwill allocated to disposals	(18)	(31)
Exchange rate differences and other	(13)	(213)
Goodwill at the closing balance	10,825	10,764	9,536
Electrification
Goodwill
Goodwill, at cost			2,969
Goodwill at the opening balance	4,276	2,969
Goodwill acquired during the year	92	1,442
Goodwill allocated to disposals	(18)	(31)
Exchange rate differences and other	22	(104)
Goodwill at the closing balance	4,372	4,276	2,969
Industrial Automation
Goodwill
Goodwill, at cost			1,631
Goodwill at the opening balance	1,616	1,631
Exchange rate differences and other	(1)	(15)
Goodwill at the closing balance	1,615	1,616	1,631
Motion
Goodwill
Goodwill, at cost			2,470
Goodwill at the opening balance	2,441	2,470
Exchange rate differences and other	(5)	(29)
Goodwill at the closing balance	2,436	2,441	2,470
Robotics & Discrete Automation
Goodwill
Goodwill, at cost			2,445
Goodwill at the opening balance	2,410	2,445
Goodwill acquired during the year		30
Exchange rate differences and other	(29)	(65)
Goodwill at the closing balance	2,381	2,410	2,445
Corporate and Other
Goodwill
Goodwill, at cost			39
Accumulated impairment charges, beginning balance			(18)
Goodwill at the opening balance	21	21
Exchange rate differences and other	0
Goodwill at the closing balance	$ 21	$ 21	$ 21

Goodwill and other intangible_4

Goodwill and other intangibles assets - Future amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 4,948	$ 5,099
Accumulated amortization	(2,696)	(2,492)
Total	2,252	2,607
Additions to intangible assets other than goodwill	42	596
Intangible assets other than goodwill related to business combinations
Amount acquired		522
Amortization expense
Amortization expense of intangible assets other than goodwill	345	338	$ 287
Future amortization expense of intangible assets
2020	337
2021	301
2022	253
2023	233
2024	211
Thereafter	917
Total	2,252	2,607
Capitalized software for internal use
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	790	779
Accumulated amortization	(628)	(586)
Total	162	193
Additions to intangible assets other than goodwill	42	139
Intangible assets other than goodwill related to business combinations
Amount acquired		$ 65
Weighted-average useful life		2 years
Amortization expense
Amortization expense of intangible assets other than goodwill	74	$ 59	50
Future amortization expense of intangible assets
Total	162	193
Capitalized software for sale
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	29	30
Accumulated amortization	(29)	(30)
Intangibles other than software:
Amortization expense
Amortization expense of intangible assets other than goodwill	271	279	$ 237
Intangibles other than software: Customer-related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	2,513	2,609
Accumulated amortization	(1,005)	(909)
Total	1,508	1,700
Additions to intangible assets other than goodwill	0	214
Intangible assets other than goodwill related to business combinations
Amount acquired		$ 214
Weighted-average useful life		14 years
Future amortization expense of intangible assets
Total	1,508	$ 1,700
Intangibles other than software: Technology-related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,056	1,131
Accumulated amortization	(722)	(701)
Total	334	430
Additions to intangible assets other than goodwill	0	87
Intangible assets other than goodwill related to business combinations
Amount acquired		$ 87
Weighted-average useful life		7 years
Future amortization expense of intangible assets
Total	334	$ 430
Intangibles other than software: Marketing-related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	501	483
Accumulated amortization	(286)	(240)
Total	215	243
Additions to intangible assets other than goodwill	0	122
Intangible assets other than goodwill related to business combinations
Amount acquired		$ 122
Weighted-average useful life		13 years
Future amortization expense of intangible assets
Total	215	$ 243
Intangibles other than software: Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	59	67
Accumulated amortization	(26)	(26)
Total	33	41
Additions to intangible assets other than goodwill	0	34
Intangible assets other than goodwill related to business combinations
Amount acquired		$ 34
Weighted-average useful life		13 years
Future amortization expense of intangible assets
Total	$ 33	$ 41

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details)	1 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2019EUR (€)	Apr. 30, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)	May 31, 2017EUR (€)	May 31, 2017USD ($)	May 31, 2016EUR (€)	May 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019CHF (SFr)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2019CHF (SFr)	Dec. 31, 2018CHF (SFr)	Dec. 31, 2018EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt											$ 9,059,000,000				$ 8,618,000,000
Short-term debt (weighted average interest rate as a %)											838,000,000				561,000,000
Current maturities of long-term debt (weighted average interest rate as a %)											1,449,000,000				1,470,000,000
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt											$ 2,287,000,000				$ 2,031,000,000
Short-term debt, weighted average interest rate (as a percent)								2.80%		2.80%	2.80%		2.30%	2.30%	2.30%
Current maturities of long-term debt, weighted average nominal interest rate (as a percent)								0.70%		0.70%	0.70%		2.70%	2.70%	2.70%
Number of commercial paper programs								2		2	2
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 8,221,000,000				$ 8,057,000,000
Current portion of long-term debt											(1,449,000,000)				(1,470,000,000)
Long-term debt											6,772,000,000				6,587,000,000
Maturities of long-term debt
2020											1,433,000,000
2021											1,273,000,000
2022											1,259,000,000
2023											1,237,000,000
2024											1,136,000,000
Thereafter											1,681,000,000
Total											8,019,000,000
ABB Finance (USA) Inc
Long-term debt:
Ownership interest (as a percent)			100.00%
Multicurrency credit facility maturing 2019 extended to 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, capacity											2,000,000,000
Multicurrency credit facility maturing 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, capacity											2,000,000,000
Revolving credit facility, term								5 years	5 years
Interest cost above variable interest rate on facility (as a percent)								0.175%	0.175%
Commitment fee as a proportion of the margin (as a percent)								35.00%	35.00%
Commitment fee on credit facility (as a percent)								0.06125%	0.06125%
Utilization fee on credit facility on drawings representing one-third or less of the total facility (as a percent)								0.075%	0.075%
Utilization fee on credit facility on drawings representing between one-third and two-thirds of the total facility (as a percent)								0.15%	0.15%
Utilization fee on credit facility over two-thirds of the facility, percentage								0.30%	0.30%
Floating rate
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 2,221,000,000				$ 3,106,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)								1.50%		1.50%	1.50%		1.70%	1.70%	1.70%
Debt effective interest rate (as a percent)								1.10%		1.10%	1.10%		1.10%	1.10%	1.10%
EUR 1,000 million, due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | €	€ 1,000,000,000
Revolving credit facility, term	18 months	18 months
Interest cost above variable interest rate on facility (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%
Debt instrument, floor rate	0.00%
Long-term debt:
Proceeds from issuance of bonds	€ 1,002,000,000	$ 1,129,000,000
Fixed rate
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 6,000,000,000				$ 4,951,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)								2.80%		2.80%	2.80%		3.60%	3.60%	3.60%
Debt effective interest rate (as a percent)								2.40%		2.40%	2.40%		3.60%	3.60%	3.60%
Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt:
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)								0.70%		0.70%	0.70%		2.70%	2.70%	2.70%
Debt effective interest rate (as a percent)								0.60%		0.60%	0.60%		2.70%	2.70%	2.70%
Bonds
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 8,009,000,000				$ 7,842,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of bonds			$ 1,494,000,000					SFr 449,000,000	$ 449,000,000
Repurchase terms
Percentage of principal amount of bonds used in redemption calculation			100.00%
Minimum threshold for early redemption by the entity			100.00%
2.625% EUR Instruments, due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | €														€ 1,250,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total															$ 1,431,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)								2.625%		2.625%	2.625%		2.625%	2.625%	2.625%
2.8% USD Notes, due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount											$ 300,000,000				$ 300,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 300,000,000				299,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)								2.80%		2.80%	2.80%
Floating EUR Notes, due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | €										€ 1,000,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total | €										€ 1,122,000,000
4.0% USD Notes, due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount											$ 650,000,000				650,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 648,000,000				646,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)								4.00%		4.00%	4.00%
Repurchase terms
Percentage of principal amount of bonds used in redemption calculation								100.00%	100.00%
2.25% CHF Bonds, due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | SFr								SFr 350,000,000					SFr 350,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 373,000,000				373,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)								2.25%		2.25%	2.25%
Repurchase terms
Minimum threshold for early redemption by the entity								85.00%	85.00%
5.625% USD Notes, due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount											$ 250,000,000				250,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 260,000,000				265,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)								5.625%		5.625%	5.625%
Repurchase terms
Percentage of principal amount of bonds used in redemption calculation								100.00%	100.00%
2.875% USD Notes, due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount											$ 1,250,000,000				1,250,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 1,267,000,000				1,242,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)								2.875%		2.875%	2.875%
Repurchase terms
Percentage of principal amount of bonds used in redemption calculation								100.00%	100.00%
2.875% USD Notes, due 2022 | Interest rate swaps
Repurchase terms
Amount of hedged item											$ 1,050,000,000
3.375% USD Notes, due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount											450,000,000				450,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 448,000,000				448,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)								3.375%		3.375%	3.375%
Repurchase terms
Redemption period prior to their maturity			1 month
0.625% EUR Instruments, due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | €										€ 700,000,000				€ 700,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 799,000,000				807,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)								0.625%		0.625%	0.625%
Proceeds from issuance of bonds						€ 697,000,000	$ 807,000,000
Repurchase terms
Percentage of principal amount of bonds used in redemption calculation								100.00%	100.00%
0.75% EUR Instruments, due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | €										€ 750,000,000				€ 750,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 859,000,000				862,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)								0.75%		0.75%	0.75%
Proceeds from issuance of bonds				€ 745,000,000	$ 824,000,000
0.3% CHF Notes, due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | SFr								SFr 280,000,000				SFr 280,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total | SFr								SFr 288,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)								0.30%		0.30%	0.30%	0.30%
3.8% USD Notes, due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount											$ 750,000,000				750,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 746,000,000				746,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)								3.80%		3.80%	3.80%
Repurchase terms
Redemption period prior to their maturity			3 months
1.0% CHF Notes, due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | SFr								SFr 170,000,000				SFr 170,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total | SFr								SFr 175,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)								1.00%		1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
4.375% USD Notes, due 2042
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount											$ 750,000,000				750,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 724,000,000				723,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)								4.375%		4.375%	4.375%
Repurchase terms
Percentage of principal amount of bonds used in redemption calculation								100.00%	100.00%
Commercial paper program
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial paper program, capacity											$ 2,000,000,000
Commercial paper, amount outstanding											706,000,000				292,000,000
Euro-commercial paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial paper program, capacity											2,000,000,000				2,000,000,000
Commercial paper, amount outstanding											0				172,000,000
Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount drawn											$ 0				$ 0

Other provisions, other curre_3

Other provisions, other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Provisions
Contract-related provisions	$ 607	$ 590
Restructuring and restructuring- related provisions	234	277
Provisions for contractual penalties and compliance and litigation matters	209	209
Provision for insurance-related reserves	168	166
Other	157	130
Total	1,375	1,372
Other current liabilities
Employee-related liabilities	1,396	1,506
Accrued expenses	592	546
Non-trade payables	442	477
Income taxes payable	355	260
Accrued customer rebates	287	299
Other tax liabilities	282	277
Derivative liabilities (see Note 6)	143	192
Accrued interest	44	73
Pension and other employee benefits	36	34
Deferred income	25	36
Other	159	80
Total	3,761	3,780
Other non-current liabilities:
Income tax related liabilities	1,218	1,111
Provisions for contractual penalties and compliance and litigation matters	112	132
Employee-related liabilities	72	74
Environmental provisions	48	56
Derivative liabilities (see Note 6)	23	37
Deferred income	7	12
Other	189	267
Total	$ 1,669	$ 1,689

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases
Rent expense	$ 364	$ 385
Sublease income received on leased assets	$ 7	$ 11
Present value of minimum finance lease payments, current			$ 17
Present value of minimum finance lease payments, Noncurrent			$ 154

Leases - Components of lease ex

Leases - Components of lease expense (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating lease cost	$ 369
Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets	33
Finance lease cost: Interest on lease liabilities	3
Variable lease cost	5
Short term lease cost	48
Sub-lease income	(2)
Total lease expense	456
Land And Building [Member]
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating lease cost	268
Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets	13
Finance lease cost: Interest on lease liabilities	1
Variable lease cost	0
Short term lease cost	19
Sub-lease income	(2)
Total lease expense	299
Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating lease cost	101
Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets	20
Finance lease cost: Interest on lease liabilities	2
Variable lease cost	5
Short term lease cost	29
Sub-lease income	0
Total lease expense	$ 157

Leases - Summary of additional

Leases - Summary of additional lease expense (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 348
Operating cash flows from finance leases	3
Financing cash flows from finance leases	20
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new liabilities: under operating leases	205
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new liabilities: under finance leases	41
Land And Building [Member]
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	252
Operating cash flows from finance leases	1
Financing cash flows from finance leases	8
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new liabilities: under operating leases	153
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new liabilities: under finance leases	23
Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	96
Operating cash flows from finance leases	2
Financing cash flows from finance leases	12
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new liabilities: under operating leases	52
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new liabilities: under finance leases	$ 18

Leases - Future net minimum lea

Leases - Future net minimum lease payments for capital leases and the present value of the net minimum lease payment (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Land And Building [Member]
Operating Leases
2020	$ 222
2021	178
2022	137
2023	105
2024	86
Thereafter	226
Total minimum lease payments	954
Less amount representing estimated executory costs included in total minimum lease payments	0
Net minimum lease payments	954
Difference between undiscounted cash flows and discounted cash flows	(98)
Present value of minimum lease payments	856
Finance Leases
2020	23
2021	24
2022	23
2023	20
2024	21
Thereafter	84
Total minimum lease payments	195
Less amount representing estimated executory costs included in total minimum lease payments	(1)
Net minimum lease payments	194
Difference between undiscounted cash flows and discounted cash flows	(59)
Present value of minimum lease payments	135
Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Operating Leases
2020	86
2021	41
2022	21
2023	10
2024	8
Thereafter	5
Total minimum lease payments	171
Less amount representing estimated executory costs included in total minimum lease payments	0
Net minimum lease payments	171
Difference between undiscounted cash flows and discounted cash flows	(5)
Present value of minimum lease payments	166
Finance Leases
2020	14
2021	11
2022	8
2023	4
2024	1
Thereafter	0
Total minimum lease payments	38
Less amount representing estimated executory costs included in total minimum lease payments	0
Net minimum lease payments	38
Difference between undiscounted cash flows and discounted cash flows	(2)
Present value of minimum lease payments	$ 36

Leases - Lease terms and discou

Leases - Lease terms and discount rates (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019
Land And Building [Member]
Operating Lease Liabilities Payments Due [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining lease term	78 months
Weighted average discount rate	0.03%
Finance Lease Liabilities Payments Due [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining lease term	110 months
Weighted average discount rate	0.082%
Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Operating Lease Liabilities Payments Due [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining lease term	29 months
Weighted average discount rate	0.022%
Finance Lease Liabilities Payments Due [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining lease term	33 months
Weighted average discount rate	0.028%

Commitments and contingencies -

Commitments and contingencies - Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Contingencies for regulatory, compliance and legal matters
Contingencies - Regulatory, Compliance and Legal
Accrued loss contingency related to regulatory compliance and legal contingencies	$ 157	$ 221

Commitments and contingencies_2

Commitments and contingencies - Product warranty reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum potential payments	$ 1,934	$ 1,658
Additional obligations with respect to guarantee	6,800	7,400
Reconciliation of Provisions for warranties including guarantees of product performance
Product warranties at beginning of period	948	909	$ 815
Net change in warranties due to acquisitions, divestments and liabilities held for sale	(88)	41	30
Claims paid in cash or in kind	(310)	(307)	(243)
Net increase to provision for changes in estimates, warranties issued and warranties expired	276	341	234
Exchange rate differences	(10)	(36)	73
Product warranties at end of period	816	948	$ 909
Discontinued Operations
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Additional obligations with respect to guarantee	3,700	4,300
Performance guarantees
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum potential payments	$ 1,860	1,584
Performance guarantees | Third-party and consortium guarantees | Minimum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Original maturity of performance guarantees	1 year
Performance guarantees | Third-party and consortium guarantees | Maximum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Original maturity of performance guarantees	10 years
Financial guarantees
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum potential payments	$ 10	10
Indemnification guarantees
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum potential payments	64	64
High Voltage cables systems guarantees
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum potential payments	$ 898	$ 771
High Voltage cables systems guarantees | Minimum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Original maturity of performance guarantees	1 year
High Voltage cables systems guarantees | Maximum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Original maturity of performance guarantees	8 years
Warranties
Reconciliation of Provisions for warranties including guarantees of product performance
Net change in warranties due to acquisitions, divestments and liabilities held for sale	$ 92

Income taxes - Provision, Recon

Income taxes - Provision, Reconciliation, and Deferred Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Provision for taxes
Current taxes	$ 855	$ 686	$ 782
Deferred taxes	(83)	(142)	(199)
Tax expense from continuing operations	772	544	583
Tax expense from discontinued operations	167	228	273
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act effect
Estimated tax benefit from Tax Cuts and Jobs Act			(30)
One-time transition tax			26
Reconciliation of taxes:
Income from continuing operations before taxes	$ 1,862	$ 2,119	$ 2,102
Weighted-average global tax rate (as a percent)	18.30%	22.20%	23.60%
Income taxes at weighted average tax rate	$ 341	$ 470	$ 497
Items taxed at rates other than the weighted-average tax rate	(7)	(43)	(114)
Changes in valuation allowance, net	198	41	763
Effects of changes in tax laws and (enacted) tax rates	$ 63	1	(747)
Decrease In Weighted Average Income Tax Rate	2.00%
Non-deductible expenses, excluding goodwill	$ 44	86	58
Other, net	133	(11)	126
Tax expense from continuing operations	$ 772	$ 544	$ 583
Effective tax rate for the year (as a percent)	41.50%	25.70%	27.70%
Non-taxable amount of net gains from sale of businesses		$ 17	$ 72
Increase in deferred tax assets	$ 17		721
Deferred tax valuation allowance			(668)
Income tax reconciliation due to interpretation of tax law and double tax treaty agreement	(91)	(22)	(148)
Change in valuation allowance	158
Deferred tax assets:
Unused tax losses and credits	507	600
Provisions and other accrued liabilities	650	769
Pension	592	476
Inventories	463	253
Intangibles and other non-current assets	972	1,031
Other	300	122
Total gross deferred tax asset	3,484	3,251
Valuation allowance	(1,632)	(1,535)	$ (1,303)
Total gross deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance	1,852	1,716
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	(244)	(202)
Intangibles and other assets	(679)	(770)
Pension and other liabilities	(538)	(153)
Inventories	(39)	(67)
Unremitted earnings	(353)	(445)
Total gross deferred tax liability	(1,853)	(1,637)
Net deferred tax asset		79
Net deferred tax liability	(1)
Included in:
"Deferred taxes"-non-current assets	910	1,006
"Deferred taxes"-non-current liabilities	(911)	(927)
Unused tax losses and credits, valuation allowance	126	145
Foreign subsidiary retained earnings permanently reinvested	100	100
Net operating loss carry-forwards, available to certain subsidiaries	1,999
Tax credits, available to certain subsidiaries	78
Expiration through Year 2039
Included in:
Net operating loss carry-forwards, available to certain subsidiaries	1,203
Tax credits, available to certain subsidiaries	$ 52
Central Europe
Reconciliation of taxes:
Changes in valuation allowance, net		$ 40

Income taxes - Unrecognized tax

Income taxes - Unrecognized tax benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits, balance at beginning of period	$ 961	$ 1,025	$ 760
Net change due to acquisitions and divestments, Unrecognized tax benefits	11	8
Increase relating to prior year tax positions, Unrecognized tax benefits	202	35	115
Decrease relating to prior year tax positions, Unrecognized tax benefits	(82)	(99)	(76)
Increase relating to current year tax positions, Unrecognized tax benefits	163	126	223
Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities, Unrecognized tax benefits	(57)	(44)	(23)
Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations, Unrecognized tax benefits	(83)	(66)	(75)
Exchange rate differences, Unrecognized tax benefits	(9)	(24)	101
Unrecognized tax benefits, balance at end of period	1,106	961	1,025
Penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits:
Beginning balance of penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits	239	242	172
Net change due to acquisitions and divestments, penalties and interest	7	0
Increase relating to prior year tax positions, penalties and interest	85	37	103
Decrease relating to prior year tax positions, penalties and interest	(63)	14	(37)
Increase relating to current year tax positions, penalties and interest	6	5	0
Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities, penalties and interest	(8)	(17)	(2)
Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations, penalties and interest	(28)	(31)	(12)
Exchange rate differences, penalties and interest	(5)	(11)	18
Ending balance of penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits	233	239	242
Total unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest:
Classification as unrecognized tax items at beginning	1,200	1,267	932
Net change due to acquisitions and divestments	18	8
Increase relating to prior year tax positions	287	72	218
Decrease relating to prior year tax positions	(145)	(85)	(113)
Increase relating to current year tax positions	169	131	223
Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities	(65)	(61)	(25)
Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations	(111)	(97)	(87)
Exchange rate differences	(14)	(35)	119
Balance at end, which would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate	1,339	1,200	1,267
Increase relating to current year tax positions, Unrecognized tax benefits, interpretation of tax law and double tax treaty	163	$ 111	$ 193
Expected resolution of uncertain tax positions, pending cases	$ 76

Employee benefits - Change in b

Employee benefits - Change in benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Amounts recognized in AOCI attributable to Noncontrolling interests	$ 0	$ 1	$ 0
Defined pension benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at January 1	9,745
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	10,435	9,745
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Net actuarial (loss) gain	(2,777)	(2,628)	(2,321)
Prior service credit	62	74	99
Amount recognized in OCI and NCI	(2,715)	(2,554)	(2,222)
Amount recognized in OCI and NCI, net of tax	571	535	503
Amounts recognized in AOCI attributable to Noncontrolling interests	(2,144)	(2,019)	(1,719)
Defined pension benefits | Switzerland
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligations at January 1	3,993	4,055
Service cost	76	92	106
Interest cost	15	30	41
Contributions by plan participants	75	69
Benefit payments	(244)	(239)
Benefit obligations of businesses acquired (divested)	0	10
Actuarial (gain) loss	323	6
Plan amendments and other	0	(4)
Exchange rate differences	70	(26)
Benefit obligation at December 31	4,308	3,993	4,055
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at January 1	3,879	4,020
Actual return on plan assets	320	(41)
Contributions by employer	91	89
Contributions by plan participants	75	69
Benefit payments	(244)	(239)
Plan assets of businesses acquired (divested)	0	7
Exchange rate differences	68	(26)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	4,189	3,879	4,020
Funded status-underfunded	(119)	(114)
Defined pension benefits | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligations at January 1	7,429	7,892
Service cost	113	122	122
Interest cost	174	198	208
Contributions by plan participants	19	16
Benefit payments	(404)	(318)
Benefit obligations of businesses acquired (divested)	(21)	60
Actuarial (gain) loss	617	(92)
Plan amendments and other	9	(119)
Exchange rate differences	(58)	(330)
Benefit obligation at December 31	7,878	7,429	7,892
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at January 1	5,866	6,514
Actual return on plan assets	689	(184)
Contributions by employer	115	152
Contributions by plan participants	19	16
Benefit payments	(404)	(318)
Plan assets of businesses acquired (divested)	(12)	39
Plan amendments and other	0	(94)
Exchange rate differences	(27)	(259)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	6,246	5,866	6,514
Funded status-underfunded	(1,632)	(1,563)
Other postretirement benefits
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Net actuarial (loss) gain	28	30	20
Prior service credit	13	23	27
Amount recognized in OCI and NCI	41	53	47
Amounts recognized in AOCI attributable to Noncontrolling interests	41	53	47
Other postretirement benefits | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligations at January 1	120	132
Service cost	1	1	1
Interest cost	4	4	5
Benefit payments	(10)	(11)
Benefit obligations of businesses acquired (divested)	0	8
Actuarial (gain) loss	(1)	(12)
Plan amendments and other	(5)	0
Exchange rate differences	1	(2)
Benefit obligation at December 31	110	120	$ 132
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
Contributions by employer	10	11
Benefit payments	(10)	(11)
Funded status-underfunded	$ (110)	$ (120)

Employee benefits - Balance she

Employee benefits - Balance sheet location and funded status (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Underfunded plans-Current	$ (36)	$ (34)
Underfunded plans-Noncurrent	(1,793)	(1,828)
Pension and other employee benefits	133	84
Current liabilities.
Other employee-related benefits, Current	(72)	(10)
Pension and other employee benefits, Current	(460)	(40)
Amounts reported as Current liabilities held for sale	(424)	(4)
Non-current liabilities
Other employee-related benefits, Noncurrent	(186)	(246)
Pension and other employee benefits, Noncurrent	(1,792)	(2,096)
Amounts reported as Non-current liabilities held for sale	0	(266)
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
ABO	11,981	11,249
Underfunded Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Underfunded plans-Current	(374)	(19)
Underfunded plans-Noncurrent	(1,510)	(1,741)
Switzerland | PBO exceeds fair value of plan assets
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
PBO	3,769	3,482
ABO	3,769	3,482
Fair value of plan assets	3,588	3,344
Switzerland | ABO exceeds fair value of plan assets
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
PBO	3,769	3,482
ABO	3,769	3,482
Fair value of plan assets	3,588	3,344
International | PBO exceeds fair value of plan assets
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
PBO	7,346	6,897
ABO	7,156	6,743
Fair value of plan assets	5,643	5,275
International | ABO exceeds fair value of plan assets
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
PBO	7,228	6,872
ABO	7,054	6,724
Fair value of plan assets	5,537	5,254
Defined pension benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Pension and other employee benefits	132	83
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	10,435	9,745
Defined pension benefits | Switzerland
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Amounts reported as assets and liabilities held for sale	(78)	(93)
Funded status-underfunded	(119)	(114)
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
PBO	4,308	3,993	$ 4,055
Fair value of plan assets	4,189	3,879	4,020
Defined pension benefits | Switzerland | Overfunded Plan
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	62	24
Defined pension benefits | Switzerland | Underfunded Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Underfunded plans-Current	(78)
Underfunded plans-Noncurrent	(103)	(138)
Defined pension benefits | International
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Amounts reported as assets and liabilities held for sale	(277)	(120)
Funded status-underfunded	(1,632)	(1,563)
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
PBO	7,878	7,429	7,892
Fair value of plan assets	6,246	5,866	6,514
Defined pension benefits | International | Overfunded Plan
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	71	59
Defined pension benefits | International | Underfunded Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Underfunded plans-Current	(295)	(19)
Underfunded plans-Noncurrent	(1,408)	(1,603)
Other postretirement benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Pension and other employee benefits	1	1
Other postretirement benefits | Underfunded Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Underfunded plans-Current	(14)	(11)
Underfunded plans-Noncurrent	(96)	(109)
Other postretirement benefits | International
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Amounts reported as assets and liabilities held for sale	(5)
Funded status-underfunded	(110)	(120)
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
PBO	110	120	$ 132
Other postretirement benefits | International | Underfunded Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Underfunded plans-Current	(14)	(11)
Underfunded plans-Noncurrent	$ (96)	$ (109)

Employee benefits - Net periodi

Employee benefits - Net periodic benefit costs and assumptions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net periodic benefit cost:
Non-operational pension cost (credit)	$ (72)	$ (83)	$ (33)
Discontinued Operations
Net periodic benefit cost:
Net periodic benefit cost	47	45	55
Defined pension benefits | Switzerland
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	76	92	106
Operational pension cost	76	92	106
Interest cost	15	30	41
Expected return on plan assets	(112)	(117)	(112)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(14)	(15)	10
Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits	(11)
Non-operational pension cost (credit)	(100)	(102)	(61)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (24)	$ (10)	$ 45
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	0.20%	0.80%
Cash balance interest credit rate (as a percent)	1.00%	1.00%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine the Net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate (as a percent)	0.80%	0.80%	1.10%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Cash balance interest credit rate (as a percent)	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Defined pension benefits | International
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$ 113	$ 122	$ 122
Operational pension cost	113	122	122
Interest cost	174	198	208
Expected return on plan assets	(276)	(305)	(295)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	2	1	1
Amortization of net actuarial loss	108	92	91
Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits	27	23	16
Non-operational pension cost (credit)	35	9	21
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 148	$ 131	$ 143
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	2.00%	2.80%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	2.20%	2.40%
Rate of pension increase (as a percent)	1.30%	1.40%
Cash balance interest credit rate (as a percent)	1.60%	1.60%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine the Net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate (as a percent)	2.80%	2.60%	2.90%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	4.90%	4.90%	5.00%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	2.40%	2.50%	2.50%
Cash balance interest credit rate (as a percent)	1.60%	1.70%	1.70%
Other postretirement benefits
Non-pension postretirement benefit plans, participant contributions
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year (as a percent)	6.30%	6.70%
Rate to which the trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate), (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2028	2028
Other postretirement benefits | International
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Operational pension cost	1	1	1
Interest cost	4	4	5
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(5)	(5)	(5)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(3)	(1)	(1)
Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits	10		(1)
Non-operational pension cost (credit)	(14)	(2)	(2)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (13)	$ (1)	$ (1)
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	2.80%	3.90%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	0.20%	0.20%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine the Net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.90%	3.20%	3.30%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	0.20%

Employee benefits - Target asse

Employee benefits - Target asset allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected long-term return on global asset allocation (as a percent)	3.80%
Company's capital stock and debit instruments included in plan assets	$ 10	$ 8
Switzerland
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	100.00%
International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	100.00%
Equity securities | Switzerland
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	19.00%
Equity securities | International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	19.00%
Fixed income | Switzerland
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	54.00%
Fixed income | International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	64.00%
Real estate | Switzerland
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	22.00%
Real estate | International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	7.00%
Other | Switzerland
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	5.00%
Other | International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	10.00%

Employee benefits - Fair value

Employee benefits - Fair value of plan assets (Details) - Defined pension benefits - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	$ 10,435	$ 9,745
Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	231	209
Mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	1,710	1,472
Emerging market mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	339	363
Government and corporate securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	1,534	1,521
Government and corporate mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	3,769	3,496
Emerging market bonds - mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	805	729
Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	1,433	1,381
Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	123	121
Cash and short-term investments
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	253	288
Private equity
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	211	139
Hedge funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	1	2
Commodity contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	26	24
Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	846	935
Level 1 | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	224	209
Level 1 | Government and corporate securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	521	524
Level 1 | Cash and short-term investments
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	101	202
Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	7,890	7,249
Level 2 | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	7
Level 2 | Mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	1,687	1,433
Level 2 | Emerging market mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	339	363
Level 2 | Government and corporate securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	1,013	997
Level 2 | Government and corporate mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	3,738	3,496
Level 2 | Emerging market bonds - mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	805	729
Level 2 | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	123	121
Level 2 | Cash and short-term investments
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	152	86
Level 2 | Commodity contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	26	24
Not subject to leveling
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	1,699	1,561
Not subject to leveling | Mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	23	39
Not subject to leveling | Government and corporate mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	31
Not subject to leveling | Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	1,433	1,381
Not subject to leveling | Private equity
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	211	139
Not subject to leveling | Hedge funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	$ 1	$ 2

Employee benefits - Contributio

Employee benefits - Contributions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Contributions
Contributions by employer, noncash, next fiscal year	$ 156
Expense of defined contribution plans	245	$ 245	$ 233
Defined contribution expense relating to discontinued operation	55	59	61
Defined pension benefits
Contributions
Contributions by employer, noncash	13	31	$ 31
Estimated contribution by employer, next fiscal year	356
Estimated discretionary contributions by employer, next fiscal year	167
Defined pension benefits | Switzerland
Contributions
Total contributions to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans	91	89
Of which, discretionary contributions to defined benefit pension plans	2
Expected future cash flows in respect of pension and other postretirement benefit plans
2020	335
2021	254
2022	239
2023	226
2024	215
Years 2025-2029	961
Defined pension benefits | International
Contributions
Total contributions to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans	115	152
Of which, discretionary contributions to defined benefit pension plans	8	25
Expected future cash flows in respect of pension and other postretirement benefit plans
2020	341
2021	347
2022	346
2023	343
2024	344
Years 2025-2029	1,727
Other postretirement benefits
Contributions
Estimated contribution by employer, next fiscal year	10
Other postretirement benefits | International
Contributions
Total contributions to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans	10	$ 11
Expected future cash flows in respect of pension and other postretirement benefit plans
2020	10
2021	9
2022	9
2023	9
2024	8
Years 2025-2029	$ 34

Share-based payment arrangeme_3

Share-based payment arrangements - General and MIP (Details) SFr / shares in Units, $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, SFr in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2019CHF (SFr)SFr / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2018SFr / shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017SFr / shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of share-based payment plans	3
Share-based payment arrangements | $	$ 46,000,000		$ 50,000,000		$ 49,000,000
Shares that could be issued out of contingent capital for share-based payment arrangements (in shares)		94					94
Treasury stock that could be used to settle share-based payment arrangements (in shares)		35					35
Consideration from key employees from options and cash-settled WARs | $	$ 0
Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, vesting period	3 years
Expiration period after date of grant	6 years
Time period of interest rate used as the basis for the risk-free rate	6 years
Contractual term	6 years
Assumptions used for calculations of fair value, warrants and options
Expected volatility (as a percent)	19.00%		17.00%		19.00%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	4.70%		3.10%		4.70%
Expected term	6 years		6 years		6 years
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	(0.90%)		(0.10%)		(0.10%)
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at beginning	444.9
Number of options Granted	63.5
Number of shares Forfeited	(9.9)
Number of shares Expired	(81)
Number of shares outstanding at end	417.6		444.9
Number of options Vested and expected to vest at end of period		413.6					413.6
Number of shares exercisable, vested and expected to vest		239.6					239.6
Weighted-average exercise price, Outstanding at beginning of period (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 21.54
Weighted-average exercise price, Granted (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		19
Weighted-average exercise price, Forfeited (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		22.87
Weighted-average exercise price, Expired (in Swiss francs per share) | $ / shares	$ 21.50
Weighted-average exercise price, Outstanding at end of period (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		21.13		SFr 21.54
Weighted-average exercise price, Vested and expected to vest (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		21.15
Weighted-average exercise price, Exercisable (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 20.78
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	3 years
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Vested and expected to vest	3 years
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Exercisable	1 year 9 months 18 days
Conversion ratio	5
Options outstanding, Intrinsic value | SFr		SFr 189
Vested and expected to vest, Aggregate intrinsic value | SFr		SFr 185
Unrecognized compensation cost, non-vested warrants and option | $							$ 39,000,000
Weighted average period over which unrecognized share-based compensation costs are expected to be reported	2 years
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of warrants and options (per instrument) | SFr / shares		SFr 0.34		SFr 0.46		SFr 0.47
Aggregate intrinsic value of instruments exercised | $			$ 13,000,000		$ 38,000,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of instruments exercisable | $							$ 124,000,000
Options conversion with ratio of 5:1 [Member]
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at beginning	89
Number of options Granted	12.7
Number of shares Forfeited	(2)
Number of shares Expired	(16.2)
Number of shares outstanding at end	83.5		89
Number of options Vested and expected to vest at end of period		82.7					82.7
Number of shares exercisable, vested and expected to vest		47.9					47.9
Exercise price of 21.00 | Options
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at end	72.3
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	8 months 12 days
Exercise price (in Swiss francs) | SFr / shares		21
Exercise price of 21.00 | Options conversion with ratio of 5:1 [Member]
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at end	14.5
Exercise price of 19.50 | Options
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at end	78.1
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	1 year 7 months 6 days
Exercise price (in Swiss francs) | SFr / shares		19.50
Exercise price of 19.50 | Options conversion with ratio of 5:1 [Member]
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at end	15.6
Exercise price of 21.50 | Options
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at end	72.7
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	2 years 8 months 12 days
Exercise price (in Swiss francs) | SFr / shares		21.50
Exercise price of 21.50 | Options conversion with ratio of 5:1 [Member]
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at end	14.5
Exercise price of 22.50 | Options
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at end	66.1
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	3 years 7 months 6 days
Exercise price (in Swiss francs) | SFr / shares		22.50
Exercise price of 22.50 | Options conversion with ratio of 5:1 [Member]
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at end	13.2
Exercise price of 23.50 | Options
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at end	65
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	4 years 8 months 12 days
Exercise price (in Swiss francs) | SFr / shares		23.50
Exercise price of 23.50 | Options conversion with ratio of 5:1 [Member]
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at end	13
Exercise price of 19.00 | Options
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at end	63.4
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	5 years 8 months 12 days
Exercise price (in Swiss francs) | SFr / shares		19
Exercise price of 19.00 | Options conversion with ratio of 5:1 [Member]
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at end	12.7

Share-based payment arrangeme_4

Share-based payment arrangements - WARs (Details) - WARs - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Income (expense) related to the cash-settled call options		$ 14	$ (19)
Income (expense) related to the cash-settled call option		(18)	15
Aggregate fair value of outstanding WARs	$ 26	$ 6
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangements.
Beginning of period (in number of shares)	41.2
Granted (in number of WARs)	10.9
Exercised (in number of WARs)	(8.9)
Forfeited (in number of WARs)	(0.3)
Expired (in number of WARs)	3
End of period (in number of shares)	39.9	41.2
Exercisable (in number of WARs)	11.5
Share-based liabilities paid upon exercise of WARs		$ 6	$ 10

Share-based payment arrangeme_5

Share-based payment arrangements - ESAP (Details) - ESAP SFr / shares in Units, $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, SFr in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2019CHF (SFr)SFr / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018SFr / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017SFr / shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Length of each savings period under the employee share acquisition plan (ESAP)	12 months
Number of ABB Ltd shares representing each ADS in the United States		1
Contractual term	1 year
Time period of interest rate used as the basis for the risk-free rate	1 year
Expected volatility (as a percent)	18.00%		19.00%	19.00%	17.00%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	4.10%		4.10%	4.10%	3.10%
Expected term	1 year		1 year	1 year	1 year
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	(0.70%)		(0.60%)	(0.60%)	(0.60%)
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at beginning | shares	3.6
Number of shares Granted | shares	2.3
Number of shares Forfeited | shares	(0.3)
Number of options Exercised | shares	(0.5)
Number of shares not exercised (savings returned plus interest) | shares	(2.8)
Number of shares outstanding at end | shares	2.3		3.6	3.6
Number of shares vested and expected to vest | shares		2.2
Weighted-average exercise price, Outstanding at beginning of period (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 20.38
Weighted-average exercise price, Granted (in Swiss francs per share) | (per share)	$ 21.17	20.78	$ 20.37	SFr 20.38	$ 26.24	SFr 26.26
Weighted-average exercise price, Forfeited (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		20.38
Weighted-average exercise price, Exercised (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 20.38
Weighted-average exercise price, Not exercised (savings returned plus interest) (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		20.38
Weighted-average exercise price, Outstanding at end of period (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 20.78		SFr 20.38
Weighted-average exercise price, Vested and expected to vest (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 20.78
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	9 months 18 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Vested and expected to vest	9 months 18 days
Options outstanding, Intrinsic value | SFr		SFr 6
Vested and expected to vest, Aggregate intrinsic value | SFr		SFr 5.7
Aggregate intrinsic value of instruments exercised | $					$ 17
Cash received upon exercise of options and warrants | $	$ 10
Weighted-average grant-date fair value (per option) | SFr / shares		1.05		1.10		1.37

Share-based payment arrangeme_6

Share-based payment arrangements - LTIP (Details) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)Componentsshares	Dec. 31, 2019SFr / shares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2018SFr / shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017SFr / shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period when shares will be delivered based on Company results	3 years		3 years		3 years
Limit on the actual number of shares received after the evaluation period, as a percentage of the conditional grant	200.00%		200.00%		200.00%
LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Service condition period for eligibility	3 years
LTIP | Performance shares
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangements.
Beginning of period (in number of shares) | shares	1.3
Granted (in number of shares) | shares	1.1
Vested (in number of shares) | shares	(1.1)
Forfeited (in number of shares) | shares	(0.3)
End of period (in number of shares) | shares	1		1.3
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares Nonvested at beginning of period (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 21.61
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares Granted (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		15.94		SFr 21.97		SFr 22.13
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares Vested (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		18.49
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares Forfeited (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		19.68
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares Nonvested at end of period (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 19.26		SFr 21.61
Aggregate fair value of shares, at the dates of grant | $	$ 18		$ 19		$ 22
Grant-date fair value of shares vested | $	$ 21		$ 17		$ 22
LTIP 2019 and 2018 Launches
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage if criteria threshold is equaled or exceeded	200.00%
Period of weighted cumulative earnings per share performance	3 years		3 years
LTIP 2019 and 2018 Launches | Performance shares to be settled in equity
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of vested award to be received if criteria threshold is met	65.00%
LTIP 2019 and 2018 Launches | Performance shares to be settled in either cash or equity
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of vested award to be received if criteria threshold is met	35.00%
LTIP 2017 Launch
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of components under long-term incentive plan (LTIP) | Components	2
Vesting percentage if criteria threshold is equaled or exceeded	150.00%
Period of weighted cumulative earnings per share performance					3 years
Percentage of cumulative earnings per share performance of the first year's result	33.00%		33.00%		33.00%
Percentage of cumulative earnings per share performance of the second year's result	67.00%		67.00%		67.00%
Percentage of cumulative earnings per share performance of the third year's result	100.00%		100.00%		100.00%
LTIP 2017 Launch | Performance shares to be settled in equity
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of vested award to be received if criteria threshold is met	70.00%
LTIP 2017 Launch | Performance shares to be settled in either cash or equity
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of vested award to be received if criteria threshold is met	30.00%

Stockholders' equity - General

Stockholders' equity - General and dividends (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019USD ($)$ / shares	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018SFr / shares	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2017SFr / shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019SFr / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018SFr / sharesshares
Equity
Company's authorized shares | shares									2,672,000,000	2,672,000,000
Company's registered and issued shares | shares									2,168,148,264	2,168,148,264
Distribution declared to ABB Ltd's shareholders (in Swiss francs per share) | (per share)	$ 0.80		SFr 0.78		SFr 0.76
Common stock, par value (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares									SFr 0.12	SFr 0.12
Distribution to ABB Ltd's shareholders | $	$ 1,675	$ 1,736		$ 1,622		$ 1,675	$ 1,736	$ 1,622
Retained earnings
Equity
Distribution to ABB Ltd's shareholders | $						$ 1,675	$ 1,736	$ 1,622

Stockholders' equity - Treasury

Stockholders' equity - Treasury stock activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Value of shares repurchased					$ 249	$ 251
Treasury stock (in shares)					36,185,858		34,647,153
Open market stock repurchases
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased			10,000,000	10,000,000
Value of shares repurchased			$ 249	$ 251
Share repurchase program ending no later than September 2016
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Cancellation of treasury shares (in shares)		46,595,000
Share repurchase program ending no later than September 2016 | Capital stock and additional paid-in capital
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Value of shares cancelled under the buyback program	$ 953
Share repurchase program ending no later than September 2016 | Maximum
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Authorized amount of share buyback program								$ 4,000

Stockholders' equity - Obligati

Stockholders' equity - Obligations to deliver (Details) SFr / shares in Units, SFr in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020SFr / shares	Dec. 31, 2019CHF (SFr)SFr / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018shares	Dec. 31, 2017shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)shares
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Call options held by bank (in shares) | shares		11,800,000			11,800,000
Call options held by the bank, weighted-average strike price (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 21.11
Call options held by bank, exercisable (in shares) | shares		3,900,000			3,900,000
Call options held by the bank, exercisable, weighted-average strike price (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 20.69
Subsequent Event [Member]
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Proposed distribution (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares	SFr 0.80
Minimum
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Call options held by the bank, strike price (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		19
Call options held by the bank, exercisable, strike price (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		19.50
Maximum
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Call options held by the bank, strike price (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		23.50
Call options held by the bank, exercisable, strike price (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 23.50
ABB Ltd (unconsolidated)
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Total statutory stockholders' equity		SFr 8,420			$ 8,696
Share capital of ABB Ltd, Zurich		260			269
Reserves of ABB Ltd, Zurich		8,920			9,212
Restricted legal reserves for own shares of ABB Ltd, Zurich		760			785
Share capital restricted and not available for distribution		SFr 52			$ 54
Percentage of share capital restricted		20.00%			20.00%
Options under 2014 launch of MIP
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Strike price of options granted (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 21
Options under 2014 launch of MIP | Maximum
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Outstanding obligation of options granted (in shares) | shares		14,500,000			14,500,000
Options under 2015 launch of MIP
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Strike price of options granted (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 19.50
Options under 2015 launch of MIP | Maximum
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Outstanding obligation of options granted (in shares) | shares		15,600,000			15,600,000
Options under 2016 launch of MIP
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Strike price of options granted (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 21.50
Options under 2016 launch of MIP | Maximum
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Outstanding obligation of options granted (in shares) | shares		14,500,000			14,500,000
Options under 2017 launch of MIP
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Strike price of options granted (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 22.50
Options under 2017 launch of MIP | Maximum
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Outstanding obligation of options granted (in shares) | shares		13,200,000			13,200,000
Options under 2018 launch of MIP
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Strike price of options granted (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 23.50
Options under 2018 launch of MIP | Maximum
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Outstanding obligation of options granted (in shares) | shares		13,000,000			13,000,000
Options under 2019 launch of MIP
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Strike price of options granted (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 19
Options under 2019 launch of MIP | Maximum
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Outstanding obligation of options granted (in shares) | shares		12,700,000			12,700,000
ESAP
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Shares issued from treasury stock (in shares) | shares		500,000	0	2,800,000
ESAP | Maximum
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Outstanding obligation of options granted (in shares) | shares		2,300,000			2,300,000
Other share-based payment arrangements | Maximum
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Outstanding obligation of options and shares granted (in shares) | shares		1,000,000			1,000,000
LTIP 2019, 2017 and 2018 Launches
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Outstanding obligation of shares granted (in shares) | shares		4,700,000			4,700,000
MIP
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Shares issued relating to call options (in shares) | shares			2,400,000	6,300,000

Earnings per share (Details)

Earnings per share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings per share
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share	81	88	31
Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	$ 1,043	$ 1,514	$ 1,441
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to parent	396	659	772
Net income attributable to ABB	$ 1,439	$ 2,173	$ 2,213
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in shares)	2,133	2,132	2,138
Income from continuing operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	$ 0.49	$ 0.71	$ 0.67
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	0.19	0.31	0.36
Net income (in dollars per share)	$ 0.67	$ 1.02	$ 1.04
Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	$ 1,043	$ 1,514	$ 1,441
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to parent	396	659	772
Net income attributable to ABB	$ 1,439	$ 2,173	$ 2,213
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in shares)	2,133	2,132	2,138
Effect of dilutive securities:
Call options and shares	2	7	10
Adjusted weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in shares)	2,135	2,139	2,148
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	$ 0.49	$ 0.71	$ 0.67
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	0.19	0.31	0.36
Net income (in dollars per share)	$ 0.67	$ 1.02	$ 1.03

Other comprehensive income - Am

Other comprehensive income - Amounts recorded within "Total other comprehensive income (loss)" (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	$ (130)	$ (641)	$ 911
Gain on liquidation of foreign subsidiary, before tax		(31)
Changes attributable to divestments, before tax	(2)	12	12
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	(132)	(660)	923
Available-for-sale securities, before tax
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year, before tax	16	(5)	1
Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income, before tax	1	1
Net change during the year	17	(4)	1
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Prior service (costs) credits arising during the year, before tax	3	(11)	(20)
Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the year, before tax	(293)	(411)	(184)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net income, before tax	(25)	(19)	6
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income, before tax	99	91	90
Net losses from pension settlements included in net income, before tax	38	23	13
Changes attributable to divestments, before tax			8
Net change during the year	(178)	(327)	(87)
Cash flow hedge derivatives, before tax
Net gains (losses) arising during the year, before tax	20	(51)	45
Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income, before tax	(9)	20	(26)
Changes attributable to divestments, before tax			(4)
Net change during the year	11	(31)	15
Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	(282)	(1,022)	852
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax effect
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax effect	0	14	1
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax effect	0	14	1
Available-for-sale securities, tax effect
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year, tax effect	(2)	1
Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income	(1)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, tax effect	(3)	1
Pension and other postretirement plans, tax effect
Prior service (costs) credits arising during the year, tax effect	3	4	4
Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the year, tax effect	73	59	45
Amortization of prior service cost included in net income, tax effect	(3)	(5)
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income, tax effect	(31)	(22)	(27)
Net losses from pension settlements included in net income, tax effect	(6)	(4)	(4)
Changes attributable to divestments, tax effect			(2)
Net change during the year	36	32	16
Cash flow hedge derivatives, tax effect
Net gains (losses) arising during the year, tax effect	0	2	(7)
Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income, tax effect		1	4
Changes attributable to divestments, tax effect			1
Unrealized gains (losses) of cash flow hedge derivatives, tax effect	0	3	(2)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), tax effect	33	50	15
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(130)	(627)	912
Gain on liquidation of a foreign subsidiary		(31)
Changes attributable to divestments, net of tax	(2)	12	12
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(132)	(646)	924
Available-for-sale securities, net of tax
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year, net of tax	14	(4)	1
Reclassification adjustments for net losses included in net income	0	1	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	14	(3)	1
Pension and other postretirement plans, net of tax
Prior service (costs) credits arising during the year, net of tax	6	(7)	(16)
Net actuarial losses arising during the year	(220)	(352)	(139)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net income	(28)	(24)	6
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income	68	69	63
Net (gains) losses from pension settlements included in net income	32	19	9
Changes attributable to divestments, net of tax			6
Net change, net of tax	(142)	(295)	(71)
Cash flow hedge derivatives, net of tax
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year	20	(49)	38
Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income	(9)	21	(22)
Changes attributable to divestments, net of tax			(3)
Unrealized gains (losses) of cash flow hedge derivatives	11	(28)	13
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ (249)	$ (972)	$ 867

Other comprehensive income - Ch

Other comprehensive income - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2019
Changes in component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ (5,311)	$ (4,345)	$ (5,187)
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles			(201)	$ 0
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(310)	(1,039)	796
Amounts reclassified from OCI	63	55	56
Changes attributable to divestments, before tax	(2)	12	15
Total other comprehensive income (loss) income	(249)	(972)	867
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6)	(15)	25
Balance at the end of the period	(5,590)	(5,311)	(4,345)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Changes in component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles	(36)	(36)	(9)	$ (36)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Changes in component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Balance at the beginning of the period	(3,324)	(2,693)	(3,592)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(130)	(627)	912
Amounts reclassified from OCI		(31)
Changes attributable to divestments, before tax	(2)	12	12
Total other comprehensive income (loss) income	(132)	(646)	924
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6)	(15)	25
Balance at the end of the period	(3,450)	(3,324)	(2,693)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
Changes in component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Balance at the beginning of the period	(4)	8	7
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles			(9)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	14	(4)	1
Amounts reclassified from OCI	0	1
Total other comprehensive income (loss) income	14	(3)	1
Balance at the end of the period	10	(4)	8
Pension and other post-retirement plan adjustments
Changes in component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Balance at the beginning of the period	(1,967)	(1,672)	(1,601)
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles	(36)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(214)	(359)	(155)
Amounts reclassified from OCI	72	64	(78)
Changes attributable to divestments, before tax			6
Total other comprehensive income (loss) income	(142)	(295)	(71)
Balance at the end of the period	(2,145)	(1,967)	(1,672)
Unrealized gains (losses) of cash flow hedge derivatives
Changes in component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Balance at the beginning of the period	(16)	12	(1)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	20	(49)	38
Amounts reclassified from OCI	(9)	21	(22)
Changes attributable to divestments, before tax			(3)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) income	11	(28)	13
Balance at the end of the period	$ (5)	$ (16)	$ 12

Other comprehensive income - Re

Other comprehensive income - Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gain on liquidation of a foreign subsidiary		$ (31)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit	$ 72	83	$ 33
Income from continuing operations before taxes	1,862	2,119	2,102
Tax	(772)	(544)	(583)
Net income	1,528	2,298	2,365
Amounts reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss"
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from OCI to income from discontinued operations	6	12	9
Foreign currency translation adjustments | Amounts reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss"
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gain on liquidation of a foreign subsidiary		(31)
Pension and other post-retirement plan adjustments | Amounts reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss"
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Non-operational pension (cost) credit	38	23	13
Income from continuing operations before taxes	112	95	109
Tax	(40)	(31)	(31)
Net income	72	64	78
Amortization of prior service cost | Amounts reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss"
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Non-operational pension (cost) credit	(25)	(19)	6
Amortization of net actuarial losses | Amounts reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss"
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Non-operational pension (cost) credit	$ 99	$ 91	$ 90

Restructuring and related exp_3

Restructuring and related expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
White Collar Productivity program
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Liability at beginning of period		$ 34	$ 102	$ 264	$ 276
Expenses				31	185	$ 303
Cash payments			(55)	(96)	(93)	(27)
Changes in estimates				(118)	(86)
Exchange rate differences				21	(18)
Change in estimates and exchange rate differences			(13)
Liability at end of period	$ 34		34	102	264	276
Costs incurred in				(86)
Cumulative costs incurred				325
White Collar Productivity program | Total cost of sales
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Changes in estimates				(53)
Costs incurred in				(47)
White Collar Productivity program | Selling, general and administrative expenses
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Changes in estimates				(55)
Costs incurred in				(35)
White Collar Productivity program | Non-order related research and development expenses
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in				(5)
White Collar Productivity program | Other income (expense), net.
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in				1
White Collar Productivity program | Employee severance costs
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Liability at beginning of period		33	101	262	273
Expenses				28	182	300
Cash payments			(55)	(92)	(91)	(27)
Changes in estimates				(118)	(85)
Exchange rate differences				21	(17)
Change in estimates and exchange rate differences			(13)
Liability at end of period	33		33	101	262	273
Costs incurred in				(90)
Cumulative costs incurred				307
White Collar Productivity program | Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Liability at beginning of period		1	1	2	3
Expenses				3	3	3
Cash payments				(4)	(2)
Changes in estimates					(1)
Exchange rate differences					(1)
Liability at end of period	1		1	1	$ 2	$ 3
Costs incurred in				3
Cumulative costs incurred				8
White Collar Productivity program | Inventory and long-lived asset impairments
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in				1
Cumulative costs incurred				10
White Collar Productivity program | Electrification
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in				(17)
Cumulative costs incurred				72
White Collar Productivity program | Industrial Automation
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in				(23)
Cumulative costs incurred				106
White Collar Productivity program | Motion
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in				(10)
Cumulative costs incurred				42
White Collar Productivity program | Robotics & Discrete Automation
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in				(4)
Cumulative costs incurred				14
White Collar Productivity program | Corporate and Other
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in				(32)
Cumulative costs incurred				91
OS Program
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Liability at beginning of period		65
Expenses		112	65
Cash payments		(45)
Changes in estimates		(30)
Exchange rate differences		(3)
Liability at end of period	$ 65	99	65
Term of program (in years)	2 years
Costs incurred in		89	65
Cumulative costs incurred		154
Total expected costs		350
OS Program | Total cost of sales
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		8	35
OS Program | Selling, general and administrative expenses
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		46	23
OS Program | Non-order related research and development expenses
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		1	3
OS Program | Other income (expense), net.
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		34	4
OS Program | Employee severance costs
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Liability at beginning of period		65
Expenses		111	65
Cash payments		(44)
Changes in estimates		(30)
Exchange rate differences		(3)
Liability at end of period	$ 65	99	65
Costs incurred in		81	65
Cumulative costs incurred		146
OS Program | Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Expenses		1
Cash payments		(1)
Costs incurred in		1
Cumulative costs incurred		1
OS Program | Inventory and long-lived asset impairments
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		7
Cumulative costs incurred		7
OS Program | Electrification
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		18	32
Cumulative costs incurred		50
Total expected costs		80
OS Program | Industrial Automation
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		3	21
Cumulative costs incurred		24
Total expected costs		40
OS Program | Motion
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		6	1
Cumulative costs incurred		7
Total expected costs		50
OS Program | Robotics & Discrete Automation
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		8
Cumulative costs incurred		8
Total expected costs		20
OS Program | Corporate and Other
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		54	11
Cumulative costs incurred		65
Total expected costs		160
Other restructuring-related activities
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Liability at beginning of period		245
Liability at end of period	$ 245	189	245
Costs incurred in		114	116	181
Other restructuring-related activities | Total cost of sales
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		46	24	119
Other restructuring-related activities | Selling, general and administrative expenses
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		4	52	10
Other restructuring-related activities | Non-order related research and development expenses
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		0	2	0
Other restructuring-related activities | Other income (expense), net.
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		64	38	52
Other restructuring-related activities | Employee severance costs
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		55	74	130
Other restructuring-related activities | Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		37	29	32
Other restructuring-related activities | Inventory and long-lived asset impairments
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		$ 22	$ 13	$ 19

Operating segment and geograp_3

Operating segment and geographic data - Segment revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 27,978	$ 27,662	$ 25,196
Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	27,765	27,419	24,933
Intersegment elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	213	243	263
Products | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	18,756	18,455	15,981
Systems | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	3,586	3,668	4,194
Services and software | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	5,423	5,296	4,758
End Customer Markets, Utilities | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	4,126	4,548	5,073
End Customer Markets, Industry | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	15,494	15,453	13,954
End Customer Markets, Transport and infrastructure | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	8,145	7,418	5,906
Europe | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	10,004	10,013	9,032
The Americas | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	8,919	8,003	6,831
Asia, Middle East and Africa | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	8,842	9,403	9,070
Electrification
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	12,728	11,686	10,094
Electrification | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	12,272	11,211	9,591
Electrification | Intersegment elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	456	475	503
Electrification | Products | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	10,315	9,679	8,322
Electrification | Systems | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	958	617	614
Electrification | Services and software | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	999	915	655
Electrification | End Customer Markets, Utilities | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	2,355	2,452	2,597
Electrification | End Customer Markets, Industry | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	4,798	4,395	4,022
Electrification | End Customer Markets, Transport and infrastructure | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	5,119	4,364	2,972
Electrification | Europe | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	4,039	3,881	3,514
Electrification | The Americas | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	4,568	3,650	2,613
Electrification | Asia, Middle East and Africa | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	3,665	3,680	3,464
Industrial Automation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	6,273	6,500	6,472
Industrial Automation | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	6,151	6,391	6,334
Industrial Automation | Intersegment elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	122	109	138
Industrial Automation | Products | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,439	1,528	1,406
Industrial Automation | Systems | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,648	1,853	2,089
Industrial Automation | Services and software | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	3,064	3,010	2,839
Industrial Automation | End Customer Markets, Utilities | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,057	1,174	1,273
Industrial Automation | End Customer Markets, Industry | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	3,606	3,573	3,398
Industrial Automation | End Customer Markets, Transport and infrastructure | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,488	1,644	1,663
Industrial Automation | Europe | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	2,416	2,475	2,470
Industrial Automation | The Americas | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,582	1,467	1,349
Industrial Automation | Asia, Middle East and Africa | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	2,153	2,449	2,515
Motion
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	6,533	6,463	5,877
Motion | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	6,021	5,950	5,349
Motion | Intersegment elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	512	513	528
Motion | Products | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	5,152	5,111	4,595
Motion | Services and software | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	869	839	754
Motion | End Customer Markets, Utilities | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	696	746	628
Motion | End Customer Markets, Industry | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	3,890	3,877	3,488
Motion | End Customer Markets, Transport and infrastructure | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,435	1,327	1,233
Motion | Europe | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,879	1,862	1,657
Motion | The Americas | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	2,315	2,389	2,219
Motion | Asia, Middle East and Africa | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,827	1,699	1,473
Robotics & Discrete Automation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	3,314	3,611	2,957
Robotics & Discrete Automation | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	3,244	3,552	2,918
Robotics & Discrete Automation | Intersegment elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	70	59	39
Robotics & Discrete Automation | Products | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,785	2,019	1,489
Robotics & Discrete Automation | Systems | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	968	1,001	926
Robotics & Discrete Automation | Services and software | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	491	532	503
Robotics & Discrete Automation | End Customer Markets, Industry | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	3,165	3,510	2,891
Robotics & Discrete Automation | End Customer Markets, Transport and infrastructure | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	79	42	27
Robotics & Discrete Automation | Europe | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,634	1,737	1,259
Robotics & Discrete Automation | The Americas | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	453	476	534
Robotics & Discrete Automation | Asia, Middle East and Africa | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,157	1,339	1,125
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	(870)	(598)	(204)
Corporate and Other | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	77	315	741
Corporate and Other | Intersegment elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	(947)	(913)	(945)
Corporate and Other | Products | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	65	118	169
Corporate and Other | Systems | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	12	197	565
Corporate and Other | Services and software | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue			7
Corporate and Other | End Customer Markets, Utilities | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	18	176	575
Corporate and Other | End Customer Markets, Industry | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	35	98	155
Corporate and Other | End Customer Markets, Transport and infrastructure | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	24	41	11
Corporate and Other | Europe | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	36	58	132
Corporate and Other | The Americas | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1	21	116
Corporate and Other | Asia, Middle East and Africa | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 40	$ 236	$ 493
Revenue | United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk (as a percent)	24.00%	22.00%	20.00%
Revenue | China
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk (as a percent)	15.00%
Revenue | Excludes Switzerland
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk (as a percent)	98.00%	98.00%	98.00%

Operating segment and geograp_4

Operating segment and geographic data - Income and expense by segment (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment	4
Total revenues	$ 27,978	$ 27,662	$ 25,196
Operational EBITA:	3,107	3,005	2,817
Acquisition-related amortization	(265)	(273)	(229)
Restructuring, related and implementation costs	(300)	(172)	(300)
Changes in obligations related to divested businesses	(36)	(106)	(94)
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates	(22)	(8)	(8)
Gains and losses from sale of business	(55)	(57)	(252)
Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale	(421)	0	0
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs	(121)	(204)	(81)
Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations: Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange, commodities, embedded derivatives)	20	(1)	56
Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations: Realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged transaction has not yet been realized	8	(23)	8
Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations: Unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and related assets/liabilities)	(7)	(9)	(30)
Costs for planned divestment of Power Grids	(141)
Regulatory, compliance and legal costs	(7)	(34)	(102)
Business transformation costs	(19)	(17)
Executive committee transition costs	(14)
Gain on liquidation of a foreign subsidiary		31
Gain on sale of investments	15
Favorable resolution of an uncerain purchase price adjustement	92
Asset write downs/impairments	(4)	(25)	(40)
Other non-operational items	(2)	5	(19)
Income from operations	1,938	2,226	2,230
Interest and dividend income	67	72	73
Interest and other finance expense	(215)	(262)	(234)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit	72	83	33
Income from continuing operations before taxes	1,862	2,119	2,102
O S Program [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring, related and implementation costs	(97)
Intersegment elimination | Non-Core and divested businesses
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operational EBITA:	(145)	(291)	(163)
Intersegment elimination | Stranded corporate costs
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operational EBITA:	(225)	(297)	(286)
Intersegment elimination | Corporate costs and other intersegment elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operational EBITA:	(418)	(498)	(457)
Operating | Electrification
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operational EBITA:	1,688	1,626	1,510
Operating | Industrial Automation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operational EBITA:	732	914	902
Operating | Motion
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operational EBITA:	1,082	1,023	838
Operating | Robotics & Discrete Automation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operational EBITA:	$ 393	$ 528	$ 473

Operating segment and geograp_5

Operating segment and geographic data - Depreciation and amortization, Capital expenditure, and Total assets by segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 961	$ 916	$ 836
Capital expenditure	762	772	752
Total assets	46,108	44,441	43,458
Electrification
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	414	355	315
Capital expenditure	279	244	218
Total assets	11,671	12,052	8,881
Industrial Automation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	55	57	61
Capital expenditure	64	58	54
Total assets	4,559	4,287	4,478
Motion
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	169	184	193
Capital expenditure	110	93	89
Total assets	6,149	6,016	6,051
Robotics & Discrete Automation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	124	127	73
Capital expenditure	59	74	44
Total assets	4,661	4,760	4,848
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	199	193	194
Capital expenditure	250	303	347
Total assets	19,068	17,326	19,200
Assets held for sale	$ 9,840	$ 8,591	$ 8,603

Operating segment and geograp_6

Operating segment and geographic data - Geographical information for and long-lived assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets at December 31	$ 4,966	$ 4,133
Europe
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets at December 31	2,565	2,110
The Americas
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets at December 31	1,469	1,168
Asia, Middle East and Africa
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets at December 31	$ 932	$ 855

Operating segment and geograp_7

Operating segment and geographic data - Concentration risk (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, plant and equipment, net | Geographic concentration | United States
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (as a percent)	23.00%	22.00%
Property, plant and equipment, net | Geographic concentration | China
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (as a percent)	10.00%	11.00%
Property, plant and equipment, net | Geographic concentration | Switzerland
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (as a percent)	10.00%	11.00%
Revenue | United States
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (as a percent)	24.00%	22.00%	20.00%
Revenue | China
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (as a percent)	15.00%
Revenue | Excludes Switzerland
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (as a percent)	98.00%	98.00%	98.00%

Uncategorized Items - tm1925216

Label	Element	Value
Parent [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 0