ABB (ABBNY) 20-F 24 Feb 22 2021 FY Annual report (foreign) Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021shares
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Document Type	20-F
Document Registration Statement	false
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2021
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	1,958,344,400
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	2021
Entity Address Address Line 1	Affolternstrasse 44
Entity Address City Or Town	Zurich
Entity Address Postal Zip Code	CH-8050
Entity Address Country	CH
Icfr Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Auditor Name	KPMG AG
Auditor Firm Id	3240
Auditor Location	Zurich, Switzerland
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, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Total revenues	$ 28,945	$ 26,134	$ 27,978
Total cost of sales	(19,478)	(18,256)	(19,072)
Gross profit	9,467	7,878	8,906
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(5,162)	(4,895)	(5,447)
Non-order related research and development expenses	(1,219)	(1,127)	(1,198)
Impairment of goodwill	0	(311)	0
Other income (expense), net	2,632	48	(323)
Income from operations	5,718	1,593	1,938
Interest and dividend income	51	51	67
Interest and other finance expense	(148)	(240)	(215)
Losses from extinguishment of debt	0	(162)	0
Non-operational pension (cost) credit	166	(401)	72
Income from continuing operations before taxes	5,787	841	1,862
Income tax expense	(1,057)	(496)	(772)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	4,730	345	1,090
Income from (loss) discontinued operations, net of tax	(80)	4,860	438
Net income	4,650	5,205	1,528
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(104)	(59)	(89)
Net income attributable to ABB	4,546	5,146	1,439
Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	4,625	294	1,043
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(79)	4,852	396
Net income	$ 4,546	$ 5,146	$ 1,439
Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	$ 2.31	$ 0.14	$ 0.49
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	(0.04)	2.30	0.19
Net income (in dollars per share)	2.27	2.44	0.67
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	2.29	0.14	0.49
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	(0.04)	2.29	0.19
Net income (in dollars per share)	$ 2.25	$ 2.43	$ 0.67
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) used to compute:
Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders (in shares)	2,001	2,111	2,133
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders (in shares)	2,019	2,119	2,135
Products
Total revenues	$ 23,745	$ 21,214	$ 22,554
Total cost of sales	(16,364)	(15,229)	(15,811)
Services and other
Total revenues	5,200	4,920	5,424
Total cost of sales	$ (3,114)	$ (3,027)	$ (3,261)

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income	$ 4,650	$ 5,205	$ 1,528
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(521)	498	(130)
Changes attributable to divestments	(9)	519	(2)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(530)	1,017	(132)
Available-for-sale securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year	(10)	24	14
Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income	(5)	(14)	0
Changes attributable to divestments	0	(3)	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	(15)	7	14
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Prior service credits arising during the year	0	43	6
Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the year	411	(200)	(220)
Amortization of prior service credit included in net income	(14)	(11)	(28)
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income	69	88	68
Net (gains) losses from settlements and curtailments included in net income	7	518	32
Changes attributable to divestments	(6)	151	0
Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments	467	589	(142)
Cash flow hedge derivatives:
Net unrealized gains arising during the year	8	2	20
Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income	(13)	0	(9)
Changes in derivatives instruments and hedges	(5)	2	11
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(83)	1,615	(249)
Total comprehensive income, net of tax	4,567	6,820	1,279
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(108)	(86)	(83)
Total comprehensive income, attributable to ABB, net of tax	$ 4,459	$ 6,734	$ 1,196

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Cash and equivalents	$ 4,159	$ 3,278
Restricted cash	30	323
Marketable securities and short-term investments	1,170	2,108
Receivables, net	6,551	6,820
Contract assets	990	985
Inventories, net	4,880	4,469
Prepaid expenses	206	201
Other current assets	573	760
Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations	136	282
Total current assets	18,695	19,226
Restricted cash, non-current	300	300
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,045	4,174
Operating lease right-of-use assets	895	969
Investments in equity-accounted companies	1,670	1,784
Prepaid pension and other employee benefits	892	360
Intangible assets, net	1,561	2,078
Goodwill	10,482	10,850
Deferred taxes	1,177	843
Other non-current assets	543	504
Total assets	40,260	41,088
Accounts payable, trade	4,921	4,571
Contract liabilities	1,894	1,903
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt	1,384	1,293
Current operating leases	230	270
Provisions for warranties	1,005	1,035
Other provisions	1,386	1,519
Other current liabilities	4,367	4,181
Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations	381	644
Total current liabilities	15,568	15,416
Long-term debt	4,177	4,828
Non-current operating leases	689	731
Pension and other employee benefits	1,025	1,231
Deferred taxes	685	661
Other non-current liabilities	2,116	2,025
Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations	43	197
Total liabilities	24,303	25,089
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, CHF 0.12 par value (2,053 million and 2,168 million shares issued at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively)	178	188
Additional paid-in capital	22	83
Retained earnings	22,477	22,946
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4,088)	(4,002)
Treasury stock, at cost (95 million and 137 million shares at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively)	(3,010)	(3,530)
Total ABB stockholders' equity	15,579	15,685
Noncontrolling interests	378	314
Total stockholders' equity	15,957	15,999
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 40,260	$ 41,088

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - SFr / shares	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Common stock, par value (in Swiss francs per share)	SFr 0.12	SFr 0.12
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	2,053,000,000	2,168,000,000
Treasury stock (in shares)	95,000,000	137,000,000

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 4,650	$ 5,205	$ 1,528
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax	80	(4,860)	(438)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	893	915	961
Impairment of goodwill	0	311	0
Changes in fair values of investments	(123)	(99)	(5)
Pension and other employee benefits		50
Pension and other employee benefits	(216)		(102)
Deferred taxes	(289)	(280)	(83)
Losses from extinguishment of debt	0	162	0
Loss (income) from equity-accounted companies	100	66	(8)
Net loss (gain) from derivatives and foreign exchange	49	(2)	1
Net gain from sale of property, plant and equipment	(38)	(37)	(51)
Net loss (gain) from sale of businesses	(2,193)	2	(55)
Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale	0	33	421
Other	117	57	102
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables, net	(142)	(100)	(202)
Contract assets and liabilities	29	186	128
Inventories, net	(771)	196	(182)
Accounts payable, trade	659	(13)	130
Accrued liabilities	454	(92)	(76)
Provisions, net	(48)	243	(36)
Income taxes payable and receivable	117	(76)	(3)
Other assets and liabilities, net	10	8	(131)
Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	3,338	1,875	1,899
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - discontinued operations	(8)	(182)	426
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,330	1,693	2,325
Investing activities:
Purchases of investments	(1,528)	(5,933)	(748)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets	(820)	(694)	(762)
Acquisition of businesses (net of cash acquired) and increases in cost- and equity-accounted companies	(241)	(121)	(22)
Proceeds from sale of investments	2,272	4,341	749
Proceeds from maturity of investments	81	11	80
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment	93	114	82
Proceeds from sales of businesses (net of transaction costs and cash disposed) and cost- and equity-accounted companies	2,958	(136)	69
Net cash from settlement of foreign currency derivatives	(121)	138	(76)
Other investing activities	(23)	8	(23)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - continuing operations	2,671	(2,272)	(651)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - discontinued operations	(364)	9,032	(164)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	2,307	6,760	(815)
Financing activities:
Net changes in debt with maturities of 90 days or less	(83)	(587)	164
Increase in debt	1,400	343	2,406
Repayment of debt	(1,538)	(3,459)	(2,156)
Delivery of shares	826	412	10
Purchase of treasury stock	(3,708)	(3,048)	0
Dividends paid	(1,726)	(1,736)	(1,675)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling shareholders	(98)	(82)	(90)
Other financing activities	(41)	(49)	13
Net cash used in financing activities - continuing operations	(4,968)	(8,206)	(1,328)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities - discontinued operations	0	31	(55)
Net cash used in financing activities	(4,968)	(8,175)	(1,383)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents and restricted cash	(81)	79	(28)
Net change in cash and equivalents and restricted cash	588	357	99
Cash and equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	3,901	3,544	3,445
Cash and equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	4,489	3,901	3,544
Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid	132	189	284
Income taxes paid	$ 1,292	$ 905	$ 1,005

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Cumulative Effect Period Of Adoption Adjustment [Member]	Parent [Member]	Parent [Member]Cumulative Effect Period Of Adoption Adjustment [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]Cumulative Effect Period Of Adoption Adjustment [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]Cumulative Effect Period Of Adoption Adjustment [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]Cumulative Effect Period Of Adoption Adjustment [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 14,534	$ 0	$ 13,952	$ 0	$ 188	$ 56	$ 19,839	$ 36	$ (5,311)	$ (36)	$ (820)	$ 582
Comprehensive income:
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 derivative instruments and 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	$ (91)	13,526	$ (82)	188	73	19,640	$ (82)	(5,590)		(785)	454	$ (9)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	5,205		5,146				5,146					59
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	1,017		990						990			27
Effect of change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	7		7						7
Unrecognized income (expense) related to pensions and other postretirement plans, net of tax	589		589						589
Change in derivative instruments and hedges, net of tax	2		2						2
Total comprehensive income	6,820		6,734									86
Changes in noncontrolling interests	3		(16)			(16)						19
Changes in noncontrolling interests in connection with divestments	(138)		0									(138)
Dividends to noncontrolling shareholders	(98)		0									(98)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(1,758)		(1,758)				(1,758)
Share-based payment arrangements	54		54			54
Purchase of treasury stock	(3,181)		(3,181)								(3,181)
Delivery of shares	412		412			(24)					436
Other	(3)		(3)			(3)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	15,999		15,685		188	83	22,946		(4,002)		(3,530)	314
Comprehensive income:
Net income	4,650		4,546				4,546					104
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(530)		(534)						(534)			4
Effect of change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax	(15)		(15)						(15)
Unrecognized income (expense) related to pensions and other postretirement plans, net of tax	467		467						467
Change in derivative instruments and hedges, net of tax	(5)		(5)						(5)
Total comprehensive income	4,567		4,459									108
Changes in noncontrolling interests	(2)		(57)			(37)	(20)					55
Dividends to noncontrolling shareholders	(98)		0									(98)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(1,730)		(1,730)				(1,730)
Share-based payment arrangements	60		60			60
Cancellation of treasury shares	0		0		(10)	(17)	(3,130)				3,157
Purchase of treasury stock	(3,682)		(3,682)								(3,682)
Delivery of shares	826		826			(84)	(136)				1,046
Other	16		16			16
Balance at Dec. 31, 2021	$ 15,957		$ 15,579		$ 178	$ 22	$ 22,477		$ (4,088)		$ (3,010)	$ 378

The Company

The Company	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
The Company
The Company	— Note 1 The Company ABB Ltd and its subsidiaries (collectively, connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation new levels.

Significant accounting policies

Significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Significant accounting policies
Significant accounting policies	— Note 2 Significant accounting policies The following is a summary of significant accounting policies Consolidated Financial Statements. Basis of presentation The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared States or U.S.) generally accepted accounting principles dollars ($ or USD) unless otherwise stated. Due to rounding, provided. The par value of capital stock is denominated Reclassifications Certain amounts reported for prior years in the Consolidated Notes have been reclassified to conform to the current the reallocation of certain real estate assets, previously operating segments which utilize the assets. Scope of consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts indirectly controlled by ABB Ltd. Additionally, determined that it is the primary beneficiary. Investments in joint ventures and affiliated companies significant influence over operating and financial policies (generally 20 50 the equity method of accounting. Translation of foreign currencies The functional currency for most of the Company’s translation from the applicable functional currencies into balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect accounts using average exchange rates prevailing during the year. excluded from the determination of earnings and are recognized until the subsidiary is sold, substantially liquidated or evaluated Foreign currency exchange gains and losses, such as receivables or payables, are included in the determination loans that are equity ‑ like in nature with no reasonable expectation of repayment, “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”. Exchange gains and “Total finance expense” consistent with the nature of the underlying Discontinued operations The Company reports a disposal, or planned disposal, discontinued operation if the disposal represents a strategic Company’s operations and financial results. area, a major line of business or other major parts of the segment or an operating segment, a reporting unit, The assets and liabilities of a component reported as a held for sale and in discontinued operations in the Company’s Interest expense that is not directly attributable to or related discontinued business is allocated to discontinued operations debt that is required to be paid as a result of the planned the Company plus consolidated debt. General corporate (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 Company elected to use the duration of the individual contracts accounts receivable, inventories and provisions related to these one year that have been classified as current. Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with assumptions and estimates that directly affect Statements and the accompanying Notes. These accounting • ‑ lived assets and in testing goodwill for impairment, • unrecognized tax benefits, • • interest and certain obligations in connection with divestments, • in business combinations, • operations, • and inquiries, environmental damages, product warranties, self ‑ insurance reserves, regulatory and other proceedings, • programs, • such as trade and other receivables, loans and other instruments, • pension plan assets, and • ‑ related overhead costs, used in determining the percentage ‑ of ‑ completion on projects where revenue is recognized over time, be entitled to. The actual results and outcomes may differ from Cash and equivalents Cash and equivalents include highly liquid investments with acquisition. Currency and other local regulatory limitations related to the where the Company operates. Funds, other than regular readily transferred abroad from these countries and are therefore needs locally. These Cash and equivalents that are subject to contractual restrictions available are classified as “Restricted cash”. Marketable securities and short ‑ term investments Management determines the appropriate classification ‑ to ‑ maturity and available ‑ for ‑ sale debt securities at the time of purchase. Debt securities are ‑ to ‑ maturity when the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. ‑ to ‑ maturity debt securities are carried at amortized cost, adjusted for accretion of discounts or amortization the effective interest method. Such accretion or 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 stockholders’ equity, ‑ for ‑ sale debt securities are computed based upon the historical cost of these Marketable debt securities are classified as either “Cash short ‑ term investments” according to their maturity at the time of acquisition. Marketable equity securities are generally classified as ‑ term investments”, however, any marketable securities ‑ term investment rather than as an investment of excess liquidity are classified as “Other non ‑ current assets”. Equity securities are measured at value changes reported in net income. Fair value changes for “Interest and other finance expense”, however, long-term investments are reported in “Other income (expense) For debt securities classified as available-for-sale where credit losses, the Company records an allowance for expected subsequent periods in “Interest and other finance expense”. credit risk are reported in “Accumulated other comprehensive In addition, equity securities without readily determinable price change in an orderly transaction for the same investment, the investment is impaired and the fair value of the investment other fair value changes as described above, depending change is either recorded in “Other income (expense), net” Accounts receivable and allowance for expected credit Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount. ‑ wide policy on the management of credit risk. The policy includes a credit assessment creditworthiness of customers and assign to those customers ‑ party agencies’ ratings are considered, if available. For customers where agency recent financial statements, payment history and other relevant to a risk category. Customers significant changes in the customer’s financial position risk category, a credit The Company recognizes an allowance for credit losses be collected at the balance sheet date. The allowance the asset’s contractual term taking into account forward looking estimates. The Company’s accounts which generally has a geographic concentration of receivables, entities. Receivables are then further subdivided within characteristics to estimate expected credit losses. Expected credit related assets do not share similar risk characteristics. Accounts receivable are written off when deemed allowance for credit losses. Expected recoveries, which are considered in determining the allowance balance at the The Company, in its recourse. The transfer is accounted for as a sale when the Company receivables. Control is deemed to have been surrendered presumptively beyond the reach of the Company and its (ii) the third ‑ party transferees have the right to pledge or exchange the Company has relinquished effective control over obligation to repurchase or redeem the transferred receivables. removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. including the related gains and losses from the sales, are included Transfers of receivables that do not secured borrowings and the related cash flows are classified Statements of Cash Flows. Concentrations of credit risk The Company sells a broad range of products, systems, commercial and utility customers as well as various government ‑ governmental agencies throughout the world. Concentrations of credit risk with Company’s customer base is comprised of a evaluations of customers’ financial positions are performed to instruments such as guarantees, letters of credit or credit required. The Company maintains an allowance for credit and allowance for expected credit losses”. Such losses, expectations. It is the Company’s policy to invest cash in deposits credit ratings and in high quality, by routinely reviewing the creditworthiness of the banks incurred significant credit losses related to such investments. The Company’s exposure to credit risk on derivative fail to meet its obligations. To and periodic review of credit limits for individual counterparties. close ‑ out netting agreements with most derivative counterparties. Close ‑ out netting agreements provide for the termination, valuation and net settlement of some counterparties on the occurrence of one or more pre ‑ defined trigger events. Derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis in the Consolidated Financial Revenue recognition A customer contract exists if collectability under the contract commercial substance, contains payment terms, as well has been approved. The Company offers arrangements with multiple performance These arrangements may involve the delivery of multiple installation and training) and the delivery and/or performance different periods of time. Goods and services under they form distinct performance obligations and should The Company allocates the sales price to each distinct item sold in separate transactions at the inception of the arrangement. The Company generally recognizes revenues for the sale ‑ customized products including circuit breakers, modular substation packages, control products, measurement and analytical instrumentation, and other goods basis at a point in time. Revenues are recognized at the point goods, which is when it has taken title to the products products specified in the purchase order or sales agreement. rewards of ownership are governed by the contractually International Commercial Terms products to third party customers, such as Ex Works (DDP). Billing terms for these point in time contracts vary but generally Payment is generally due upon receipt of the invoice, payable The Company generally recognizes revenues for the sale automation and electrification systems and solutions, on an percentage ‑ of ‑ completion method of accounting. These systems performance obligation as the Company is required to integrate for the customer. Revenues integration process and as control is transferred to the customer payment for work performed or by the customer’s ownership of the uses the cost ‑ to ‑ cost method to measure progress towards completion progress of contracts is measured by actual costs incurred costs based on the Company’s history of manufacturing Estimated costs are reviewed and updated routinely for pricing of the inputs. The cumulative effect of any change change in estimate is determined. Contract costs include all indirect costs related to contract performance, such as The nature of the Company’s contracts for the sale of variable consideration, including claims, unpriced change amounts are estimated based upon the most likely amount of consideration Company will be entitled. The estimated amounts are included that a significant reversal of cumulative revenues recognized with the variable consideration is resolved. All estimates periodically. Back charges determined that recovery of such cost is probable and the amounts Billing terms for these over ‑ time contracts vary but are generally based on achieving specified The differences between the timing of revenues recognized contract assets and contract liabilities. Payment is generally 90 days or less. Contractual retention amounts billed to customers contractual warranty period. Service revenues reflect revenues earned from the Company’s primarily subsequent to the sale and delivery of a product maintenance type contracts, repair services, equipment personnel and accompanying spare parts, training, and installation stand-alone service or as part of a service contract. The service transactions as services are performed or at the spare parts. For long-term service contracts including recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the of the services or, if the performance costs incurred relative to total expected costs. In limited circumstances the Company sells extended warranties the standard coverage offered on specific products. length of the warranty period based on their stand ‑ alone selling price. Billing terms for service contracts vary but are generally Payment is generally due upon receipt of the invoice, payable Revenues are reported net of customer rebates, early are estimated based on sales terms, historical experience relate to amounts paid or credited to customers for achieving defined Taxes between the Company and its customers, such as sales, use, excluded from revenues. The Company does not adjust the contract price for the expects, at contract inception, that the time between contro Sales commissions are expensed immediately when the amortization contract is less than a year. Contract loss provisions Losses on contracts are recognized in the period when they excess of contract costs over the related contract revenues. Shipping and handling costs Shipping and handling costs are recorded as a component Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable ‑ in, first ‑ out method, the weighted ‑ average cost method, or the specific identification method. are stated at acquisition cost or actual production cost, including manufacturing overheads. Adjustments to reduce the cost required, for decreases in sales prices, obsolescence or similar Impairment of long ‑ lived assets Long ‑ lived assets that are held and used are evaluated for impairment groups when events or circumstances indicate that the may not be recoverable. If the asset group’s net cash flows expected to be generated over its remaining useful disposition of the asset group, value. The estimated fair value is determined using a market, Property, plant Property, plant and straight ‑ line method. The estimated useful lives of the assets • 30 40 • 15 • 3 15 • 3 8 • over the lease term, if shorter. Goodwill and intangible assets Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually as of October 1, indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level. one level below an operating segment. For the annual respectively, the reporting When evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company method for each reporting unit. The qualitative assessment involves qualitative factors, if it is more likely than not that the fair value value. If, based on this qualitative assessment, it is determined unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, a quantitative further analysis is required. If the Company elects not to unit, then a quantitative impairment test is performed. When performing a quantitative impairment test, the Company using an income approach based on the present value of future represents the reporting unit’s weighted-average cost carrying value. If the carrying value of the net assets of a reporting unit then the Company records an impairment charge equal to the recognized does not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated The cost of acquired intangible assets with a finite life is reflects the pattern of intangible assets’ expected contributions reliably determined, the straight ‑ line method is used. The amortization periods range from 3 5 software and from 5 20 ‑ , technology ‑ ‑ related intangibles. Intangible assets with a finite life are tested for impairment upon the occurrence Derivative financial instruments The Company uses derivative financial instruments to exposures, arising from its global operating, financing The Company recognizes all derivatives, other than certain at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Derivatives are reported at fair value with derivative gains and losses with the nature of the underlying transaction. If the derivatives are designated as a hedge, depending on of the derivatives will either be offset against risk being hedged through earnings (in the case of a fair value comprehensive loss” until the hedged item is recognized Where derivative financial instruments have been designated and such forecasted transactions are no longer probable of any derivative gain or loss previously included in “Accumulated earnings consistent with the nature of the original forecasted designated as hedging instruments in a fair value hedge consistent with the nature of the underlying hedged transaction. Certain commercial contracts may grant rights to the Company provisions that are considered to be derivatives. Such embedded contract and depending on their characteristics, accounted at their fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consistent with the nature of the commercial contract to Derivatives are classified in the Consolidated Statements underlying item. Cash flows from the settlement of undesignated different underlying items on a net basis are classified the underlying items are primarily operational in nature. Other recorded within “Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities”. Leases The Company leases primarily real estate, vehicles and machinery The Company evaluates if a contract contains a lease lease if it conveys the right to control the use of identified property, for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To throughout the period of use, it has both the right to obtain use of the identified asset and the right to direct the use finance or operating, with the classification determining Consolidated Income Statements. Lease expense for over the lease term. Lease expense for finance leases assets and lease interest expense. In many cases, the Company’s leases include one extend up to 5 years. The exercise of lease renewal are included in the expected lease term if they are reasonably Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased agreements contain material residual value guarantees Long-term leases (leases with terms greater than 12 months) Sheets at the commencement date of the lease based on the present The present value of the lease payments is determined available. As most of the Company’s leases do not borrowing rate is used for most leases and is determined for portfolios lease term, currency of the lease, and the internal credit rating Short-term leases (leases with an initial lease term of that the property will not be leased for a term greater than Balance Sheets and are expensed on a straight-line basis leases relate to real estate and machinery. Assets under operating lease are included in “Operating lease right-of are reported both as current and non-current operating lease Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the make lease payments arising from the lease. Assets under finance lease are included in “Property, are included in “Long-term debt” (including “Current maturities Lease and non-lease components for leases other than real Income taxes The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect records a deferred tax asset when it determines that it is sustained based upon the deduction’s technical against each other are reported on a net basis. A valuation assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Deferred taxes are provided on unredeemed retained deferred taxes are not provided on such unredeemed retained earnings are permanently reinvested. Such earnings may become these subsidiaries or upon the remittance of dividends. The Company operates in numerous tax jurisdictions authorities. The Company provides for tax contingencies tax asset has been impaired or a tax liability has been on the technical merits of the Company’s filing position, for Economic Co ‑ operation and Development (OECD) guidelines and are facts and circumstances as of the end of each reporting period. The Company applies a two ‑ step approach to recognize and measure uncertainty step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained appeals or litigation processes, if any. which is more than 50 percent likely of being realized could be settled against existing loss carryforwards or income tax Expenses related to tax penalties are classified in the expense” while interest thereon is classified as “Interest and relating to certain items is recognized directly in “Accumulated earnings. In general, the Company applies the individual items from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”. Research and development Research and development costs not related to specific Earnings per share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income by the ‑ average number of shares outstanding during the year. weighted ‑ average number of shares outstanding during the year, securities were exercised, if dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities outstanding options and shares granted subject to certain conditions ‑ based payment arrangements. See further discussion related dilutive securities in Note 18. Share ‑ based payment arrangements The Company has various share ‑ based payment arrangements for its employees, which are described fully in Note 18. Such arrangements are accounted for equity ‑ settled, total compensation is measured at grant date, based date, and recorded in earnings over the period the employees are cash ‑ settled, compensation is initially measured at grant date reporting period, based on the fair value and vesting percentage changes in the liability recorded in earnings. Fair value measures The Company uses fair value measurement principles recurring basis and, when necessary, ‑ financial assets at fair value on a non ‑ recurring basis, as well as to determine fair value disclosures for certain in the financial statements. Financial assets and liabilities foreign currency, commodity ‑ settled call options and available ‑ for ‑ sale 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 Fair value is the price that would be received when selling an transaction between market participants at the measurement uses various valuation techniques including the market or similar assets and liabilities), the income approach (discounted (using costs a market participant would incur to develop fair value of assets and liabilities are defined by a three ‑ level hierarchy, depending inputs. The Company has categorized its financial assets and liabilities ‑ financial assets measured at fair value within this hierarchy based on whether the inputs unobservable. An observable input is based on market unobservable input reflects the Company’s assumptions The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows: Level 1: liabilities (observable quoted prices). Assets and liabilities include exchange ‑ traded equity securities, listed derivatives which are actively such as commodity futures, interest rate futures and certain securities. Level 2: quoted prices for similar assets, quoted prices in inactive quoted prices such as interest rate yield curves, credit spreads, other observable data by interpolation, correlation, regression or adjustments applied to quoted prices or the inputs used in valuation observable and unobservable. In these cases, the fair value Level 2 unless the unobservable portion of the adjustment or the the valuation model is significant, in which case the fair classified as Level 3. Assets and liabilities valued or disclosed investments in certain funds, certain debt securities that are rate swaps, cross-currency interest rate swaps, commodity ‑ settled call options, forward foreign exchange contracts, foreign exchange swaps agreements, time deposits, as well as financing receivables Level 3: (unobservable input). Investments in private equity, generally valued using the net asset value (NAV) certain criteria are met. The NAVs the funds. These assets are not classified in the fair value Whenever quoted prices involve bid ‑ ask spreads, the Company ordinarily determines fair values mid ‑ market quotes. However, ‑ settled call options serving as hedges of the Company’s management When determining fair values based on quoted prices in an active of transaction activity for the financial instrument has significantly orderly. In such cases, considered disorderly or if quoted prices are not available, technique, such as an income approach. Disclosures about the Company’s fair value Contingencies The Company is subject to proceedings, litigation or threatened related to environmental, labor, required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes ranges of probable losses. A determination of the provision after analysis of each individual issue, often with assistance technical experts. The required amount of a provision for a contingency due to new developments in the particular matter, The Company records a provision for its contingent obligations and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Any such provision undiscounted basis using the Company’s best estimate an estimated range when a single best estimate is not determinable. able to recover a portion of the costs relating to these obligations however, the Company records The Company generally provides for anticipated costs Warranty costs include calculated costs arising the Company’s products. The Company makes order ‑ specific conditions or guarantees and assessments sold in larger quantities. The Company may have legal obligations to perform environmental ‑ up activities related to land and buildings as a result of the normal operations of its business. settlement, or both, are conditional upon a future event Company, but the underlying provision for these obligations when it is probable that ‑ up activity has been incurred and a reasonable estimate of its fair value can be made. In some incurred to settle these matters may be recoverable. An asset amounts are recoverable. Provisions for environmental obligations when the timing of payments cannot be reasonably estimated. Pensions and other postretirement benefits The Company has a number of defined benefit pension plans, termination indemnity plans. The Company recognizes an asset liability for such a plan’s underfunded status measures such a plan’s assets and obligations recognizes the changes in the funded status in the year reported in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”. The Company uses actuarial valuations to determine its The amounts calculated depend on a variety of key assumptions, return on plan assets. Current market conditions are considered The Company’s various pension plan assets are assigned in accordance with the valuation principles described in the See Note 17 for further discussion of the Company’s Business combinations The Company accounts for assets acquired and liabilities acquisition method and records these at their respective fair value as an element of purchase price with subsequent Identifiable intangibles consist of intellectual property relationships, patented and unpatented technology, ‑ process research and development, order backlog and capitalized software; these are amortized over their estimated subject to evaluation for potential impairment if events or circumstances be recoverable. See “Goodwill and intangible assets” above. ‑ related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition and expensed as incurred. Upon equity method or cost basis investment was held by the Company, adjusted to fair value with the related gain or loss recorded Deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary base of assets and liabilities as well as uncertain tax positions tax assets assumed in connection with a business combination date based on facts and circumstances that existed at change within the measurement period (a period of up the acquirer may adjust the provisional acquisition amounts) with estimates being recorded to goodwill. Changes in deferred allowances on acquired deferred tax assets that occur income. New accounting pronouncements Applicable for current period Applicable for future periods Facilitation of the effects of reference rate reform on In March 2020, an accounting standard update was issued which exceptions to the current guidance on contract modifications reporting burdens related to the expected market transition and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference in a subsequent update issued in January 2021, can be 2022, with early adoption permitted. The Company does on its Consolidated Financial Statements. Business Combinations — Accounting for contract assets customers In October 2021, an accounting standard update was issued revenue contracts acquired in a business combination. acquired in a business combination to be recognized and with the principles for recognizing revenues from contracts prospectively for the Company for annual and interim reporting adoption permitted in any interim period. The Company impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. Disclosures about government assistance In November 2021, an accounting standard update was issued which types of government assistance. Under the update, the Company of the assistance received, including any significant terms and (iii) the effect such transactions have on its financial prospectively for all in-scope transactions at the date of adoption beginning January 1, 2022, with early adoption permitted. The as of January 1, 2022. The Company does not expect Consolidated Financial Statements.

Discontinued operations

Discontinued operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Discontinued operations	— Note 3 Discontinued operations Divestment of the Power Grids business On July 1, 2020, the Company completed the sale of 80.1 (Hitachi). The transaction was executed through the sale of 80.1 formerly Hitachi ABB Power Grids Ltd (“Hitachi Energy”). $ 9,241 19.9 retained by the Company was 2020. The Company also obtained a put option, 2023 (to be effective from July 2023), allowing interest for fair value, subject to a minimum floor price 10 price paid for the initial 80.1 option, which amounted to $ 1,779 for as part of the proceeds for the sale of the entire Power In connection with the divestment, the Company recorded future costs and other cash payments of $ 487 business, the Company for the direct benefit of Hitachi Energy and an amount expected purchase price finalization of the closing debt and Company and Hitachi concluded an agreement to settle the various difference between the agreed amounts and the 2021 in discontinued operations as an adjustment to “Net gain business” the settlement agreement) of $ 364 33 liabilities. At December 31, 2021, the remaining amount 150 As a result of the Power Grids sale, the Company recognized 5,141 transaction costs, for the sale of the entire Power Grids of tax, in 2020. Included in the calculation of the net gain Power Grids business of $ 420 (see Note 21). Certain amounts included in the net gain value and in 2021 the Company recorded adjustments, above, reducing the total net gain by $ 65 divestment continue to be subject to uncertainty and will are not expected to have a material impact on the Consolidated In 2020, the Company recorded $ 262 connection with the reorganization of the legal entity structure facilitate the sale. Certain entities of the Power Grids business for which the legal the Company not yet having transferred legal titles to Hitachi were divestment date since control of the business as well as transferred to Hitachi Energy. legally transferred to Hitachi. The proceeds for these entities were above and certain funds were placed in escrow pending completion 2021 and 2020, current restricted cash includes $ 12 302 proceeds. In connection with the divestment, the Company recognized liabilities indemnities (see Note 15 for additional information) and 258 representing the fair value of the right granted to Hitachi 8 Upon closing of the sale, the Company entered into various to these TSAs, the Company and Hitachi Energy provide to various services. The services provided by the Company human resources and certain other administrative services. for up to 3 additional period which is reasonably necessary to avoid and 2020, the Company recognized within its continuing incurred to perform the TSAs, offset by $ 173 91 such services that is reported in Other income (expense Discontinued operations As a result of the sale of the Power Grids business, have been sold. As this divestment represented a strategic shift Company’s operations and financial results, the as discontinued operations and the assets and liabilities operations for all periods presented. Certain of the business to be executed by subsidiaries of the Company for the relating to, as well as the net financial results of, these operations until they have been completed or otherwise transferred Prior to the divestment, interest expense that was not directly continuing business or discontinued business was allocated net assets to be sold less debt that was required to be the sum of total net assets of the Company plus consolidated allocated to discontinued operations. Operating results of the discontinued operations are summarized ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Total — 4,008 9,037 Total — (3,058) (6,983) Gross profit — 950 2,054 Expenses (18) (808) (1,394) Change to net gain recognized on sale of the Power Grids business (65) 5,141 — Income (loss) from operations (83) 5,282 660 Net interest income (expense) and other finance expense 2 (5) (61) Non-operational pension (cost) credit — (94) 5 Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes (81) 5,182 605 Income tax 1 (322) (167) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (80) 4,860 438 Of the total Income (loss) from discontinued operations (80) $ 5,170 566 the remainder is attributable to noncontrolling interests. Until the date of the divestment, Income (loss) from discontinued costs which were previously able to be allocated to the Power $ 40 225 costs which were previously included in the measure of segment segment are now reported as part of Corporate and Other. and other finance expense in 2020 and 2019 includes $ 20 44 expense which has been recorded on an allocated basis election until the divestment date. Included in the reported Total Company’s operating segments to the Power Grids business 108 213 which represent intercompany transactions that, prior to Power Grids operation, were eliminated in the Company’s Consolidated to the divestment, sales to Hitachi Energy are reported In addition, the Company also has retained obligations businesses disposed or otherwise exited that qualified as obligations are also included in Income (loss) from discontinued The major components of assets and liabilities held for sale and Consolidated Balance Sheets are summarized as follows: December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) (1) (1) Receivables, net 131 280 Inventories, net — 1 Other current assets 5 1 Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations 136 282 Accounts payable, trade 71 188 Other liabilities 310 456 Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations 381 644 Other non-current liabilities 43 197 Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations 43 197 (1) other obligations

Acquisitions, divestments and e

Acquisitions, divestments and equity-accounted companies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Acquisitions, divestments and equity-accounted companies [Abstract]
Acquisitions, divestments and equity-accounted companies	— Note 4 Acquisitions, divestments and equity-accounted companies Acquisition of controlling interests ($ in millions, except number of acquired businesses) 2021 2020 2019 Purchase price for acquisitions (net of cash acquired) 212 79 — Aggregate excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (1) 161 92 92 Number of acquired businesses 2 3 — (1) 92 primarily In the table above, the “Purchase price for acquisitions” value of net assets acquired” amounts for 2021, relate Group SL (ASTI). In 2020 and 2019, there were no significant Acquisitions of controlling interests have been accounted for included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial On August 2, 2021, the Company acquired the shares of ASTI. is a global autonomous mobile robot (AMR) manufacturer. amounted to $ 186 automation offering in its Robotics & Discrete Automation While the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions to value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisitions is preliminary for up to 12 months after the acquisition detailed analyses are completed and additional information liabilities becomes available. The purchase price allocation (General Electric’s global electrification solutions business) and resulted in $ 92 changes in the valuation of net working capital, deferred In addition, in November 2019, the Company recognized 92 from General Electric for a favorable resolution of an uncertainty GEIS. This occurred after the end of the measurement in “Other income (expense), net”. Acquisition of noncontrolling interests In connection with the divestment of its Power Grids business a 19.9 19.9 been both divested and reacquired, with a fair value at the transaction 1,661 was based on a discounted cash flow model considering the operations of Hitachi Energy and using relevant market cost of capital. The Company also obtained a right to require Hitachi with a floor price equivalent to a 10 80.1 118 considering the nature of the investment and the expected period separable from the investment the value has been combined is accounted for together. Hitachi also holds a call option which would require the 19.9 in Hitachi Energy at a price consistent with what was paid 80.1 fair value, if higher. The option July 2023. The Company has concluded that based on its continuing involvement including membership in its governing board of directors, result, the investment (including the value of the option) The difference between the initial carrying value and its proportionate share of the underlying net assets 8,570 ($ 1,705 19.9 Weighted-average ($ in millions) Allocated amounts useful life Inventories 169 5 months Order backlog 727 2 years Property, plant and equipment (1) 1,016 Intangible assets (2) 1,731 9 years Other contractual rights 251 2 years Other assets 43 Deferred tax liabilities (942) Goodwill 6,026 Less: Amount attributed to noncontrolling interest (451) Basis difference 8,570 (1) Property, 686 weighted-average 14 years . (2) Intangible For assets subject to depreciation or amortization, the estimated remaining useful lives of the assets that gave rise of related deferred tax benefit, as a reduction of income assets are recorded as an expense as the benefits from Company determined that no impairment of its equity-accounted The carrying value of the Company’s investments of ownership is as follows: Ownership as of Carrying value at December 31, ($ in millions, except ownership share in %) December 31, 2021 2021 2020 Hitachi Energy Ltd 19.9% 1,609 1,710 Others 61 74 Total 1,670 1,784 In 2021, 2020 and 2019, the equity method of accounting in Other income (expense), ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Income from equity-accounted companies, net of taxes 38 29 8 Basis difference amortization (net of deferred income tax benefit) (138) (95) — Income (loss) from equity-accounted companies (100) (66) 8 Business divestments In 2021, the Company received proceeds (net of transactions 2,958 relating to divestments of consolidated businesses and recorded 2,193 (expense), net” on the sales of such businesses. These are primarily Mechanical Power Transmission Division gain for the sale of the Dodge business are estimated result, the Company may record additional adjustments to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial continuing operations before taxes”, included net income of $ 115 96 111 million, respectively, from the segment. In 2020, the Company completed the sale of its Power inverters business. In 2019, the Company recorded net 55 primarily due to the divestment of two businesses in China. Divestment of the solar inverters business In February 2020, the Company completed the sale of no the agreement, which was reached in July 2019, the Company 143 to the buyer on the closing date. In addition, payments 132 145 be transferred to the buyer from 2020 through 2025. In 2019, 421 “Other income (expense), net”, representing the excess $ 99 In 2020, a further loss of $33 million was recorded of this business. The loss in 2020 includes the $ 99 of the currency translation adjustment related to the business. The fair value was based on the estimated current market agreed-upon sale terms with the buyer. business acquired as part of the Power-One acquisition in operating segment. As this divestment does not qualify as a discontinued operation, prior to its disposal are included in the Company’s Including the above loss of $ 33 continuing operations before taxes includes net losses of $ 63 490 inverters business.

Cash and equivalents, marketabl

Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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 Cash and equivalents and marketable securities and short ‑ term investments consisted of the following: Marketable securities Gross Gross and unrealized unrealized Cash and short-term December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Cost basis gains losses Fair value equivalents investments Changes in fair value recorded in net income Cash 2,752 2,752 2,752 Time deposits 2,037 2,037 1,737 300 Equity securities 569 18 587 587 5,358 18 — 5,376 4,489 887 Changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income Debt securities available-for-sale: —U.S. government obligations 203 7 (1) 209 209 —Corporate 74 1 (1) 74 74 277 8 (2) 283 — 283 Total 5,635 26 (2) 5,659 4,489 1,170 Of which: —Restricted cash, current 30 —Restricted cash, non-current 300 Marketable securities Gross Gross and unrealized unrealized Cash and short-term December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Cost basis gains losses Fair value equivalents investments Changes in fair value recorded in net income Cash 2,388 2,388 2,388 Time deposits 1,513 1,513 1,513 Equity securities 1,704 12 1,716 1,716 5,605 12 — 5,617 3,901 1,716 Changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income Debt securities available-for-sale: —U.S. government obligations 274 19 293 293 —European government obligations 24 24 24 —Corporate 69 6 75 75 367 25 — 392 — 392 Total 5,972 37 — 6,009 3,901 2,108 Of which: —Restricted cash, current 323 —Restricted cash, non-current 300 Contractual maturities Contractual maturities of debt securities consisted of the following: Available-for-sale December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Cost basis Fair value Less than one year 1 1 One to five years 178 181 Six to ten years 92 94 Due after ten years 6 7 Total 277 283 At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company pledged 66 66 available ‑ for ‑ sale marketable securities as collateral for issued letters arrangements.

Derivative financial instrument

Derivative financial instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments	— Note 6 Derivative financial instruments The Company is exposed to certain currency, operating, financing and investing activities. The Company uses manage the economic impact of these exposures. Currency risk Due to the global nature of the Company’s operations, in their operating activities from entering into transactions To currency exposures from binding sales and purchase contracts forecasted foreign currency denominated sales of standard denominated purchases, the Company’s policy is to 100 foreign currency denominated exposures, depending on the exposures greater than 12 instrument used to protect the Company against the volatility exchange rates) of contracted and forecasted sales and addition, within its treasury operations, the Company primarily foreign exchange contracts to manage the currency and management activities. Commodity risk Various commodity to volatility in future cash flows arising from changes in commodity commodities, the Company’s policies require that its subsidiaries from binding contracts, as well as at least 50 100 commodity exposure over the next 12 18 contracts are used to manage the associated price risks Interest rate risk The Company has issued bonds at fixed rates. Interest are used to manage the interest rate and foreign currency such swaps are designated as fair value hedges. In addition, instruments such as interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, manage interest rate risk arising from the Company’s instruments as hedges. Equity risk The Company is exposed to fluctuations in the fair value of under its MIP (Management Incentive Plan) (see Note 18). equal to the market price of an equivalent listed warrant Company has purchased cash ‑ settled call options, indexed Company to receive amounts equivalent to its obligations Volume of derivative In general, while the Company’s primary objective in its from its business, certain derivatives are designated and qualify 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 designated as hedges or not) were as follows: Type of derivative Total notional amounts at December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Foreign exchange contracts 11,276 12,610 15,015 Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 815 1,134 924 Cross-currency interest rate swaps 906 — — Interest rate contracts 3,541 3,227 5,188 Derivative commodity contracts The Company uses derivatives to hedge its direct or indirect exposure commodities which are primarily copper, amounts of outstanding derivatives (whether designated Company’s requirements for these commodities: Total notional amounts at December 31, Type of derivative Unit 2021 2020 2019 Copper swaps metric tonnes 36,017 39,390 42,494 Silver swaps ounces 2,842,533 1,966,677 2,508,770 Aluminum swaps metric tonnes 7,125 8,112 8,388 Equity derivatives At December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company held 9 22 40 ‑ settled call options indexed to ABB Ltd shares (conversion ratio 5 :1) with a total fair value of $ 29 21 and $ 26 Cash flow hedges As noted above, the Company mainly uses forward foreign exchange risk of its operations, commodity swaps to manage ‑ settled call options to hedge its WAR liabilities. The In these cases, the effective portion of the changes comprehensive loss” and subsequently reclassified into earnings period as the underlying hedged transaction affects earnings. no significant amounts recorded for cash flow hedge accounting Fair value hedges To interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swap value hedges, the changes in the fair value of these instruments, the risk component of the underlying debt being hedged, “Interest and other finance expense”. The effect of derivative instruments, designated Income Statements was as follows: ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Gains (losses) recognized in Interest and other finance expense: Interest rate contracts Designated as fair value hedges (55) 11 38 Hedged item 56 (11) (38) Cross-currency Designated as fair value hedges (37) — — interest rate swaps Hedged item 34 — — Derivatives not designated in hedge relationships Derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges hedges are economic hedges used for risk management purposes. values of such derivatives are recognized in the same line hedged transaction. Furthermore, under certain circumstances, the Company foreign currency derivatives that are embedded within certain denominated in a currency other than the functional currency The gains (losses) recognized in the Consolidated Income hedging relationships were as follows: ($ in millions) Gains (losses) recognized in income Type of derivative not designated as a hedge Location 2021 2020 2019 Foreign exchange contracts Total 3 94 (7) Total (53) — (64) SG&A expenses (1) 11 (11) 2 Non-order related research and development (2) (2) 1 Interest and other finance expense (173) 207 (122) Embedded foreign exchange contracts Total (7) (34) 17 Total (2) (1) (6) Commodity contracts Total 78 56 12 Other Interest and other finance expense — 1 — Total (145) 310 (167) (1) The fair values of derivatives included in the Consolidated Balance Derivative assets Derivative liabilities Current in Non-current Current in Non-current “Other in “Other “Other in “Other current non-current current non-current December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) assets” assets” liabilities” liabilities” Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts — — 3 5 Interest rate contracts 9 20 — — Cross-currency interest rate swaps — — — 109 Cash-settled call options 29 — — — Total 38 20 3 114 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 108 14 107 7 Commodity contracts 19 — 5 — Interest rate contracts 1 — 2 — Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 10 7 16 10 Total 138 21 130 17 Total fair value 176 41 133 131 Derivative assets Derivative liabilities Current in Non-current Current in Non-current “Other in “Other “Other in “Other current non-current current non-current December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) assets” assets” liabilities” liabilities” Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts — 1 2 4 Interest rate contracts 6 78 — — Cash-settled call options 10 11 — — Total 16 90 2 4 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 221 22 106 26 Commodity contracts 59 — 7 — Interest rate contracts 2 — 2 — Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 10 2 28 16 Total 292 24 143 42 Total fair value 308 114 145 46 Close ‑ out netting agreements provide for the termination, valuation outstanding transactions between two counterparties on the ‑ defined trigger events. Although the Company is party to close ‑ out netting agreements with most derivative values in the tables above and in the Consolidated Balance been presented on a gross basis. The Company’s netting agreements and other similar conditions. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, information related follows: December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Gross amount of Derivative liabilities Cash Non-cash Type of agreement or recognized eligible for set-off in collateral collateral Net asset similar arrangement assets case of default received received exposure Derivatives 200 (104) — — 96 Total 200 (104) — — 96 December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Gross amount of Derivative liabilities Cash Non-cash Type of agreement or recognized eligible for set-off in collateral collateral Net liability similar arrangement liabilities case of default pledged pledged exposure Derivatives 238 (104) — — 134 Total 238 (104) — — 134 December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Gross amount of Derivative liabilities Cash Non-cash Type of agreement or recognized eligible for set-off in collateral Net asset similar arrangement assets case of default received received exposure Derivatives 410 (106) — — 304 Total 410 (106) — — 304 December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Gross amount of Derivative liabilities Cash Non-cash Type of agreement or recognized eligible for set-off in collateral Net liability similar arrangement liabilities case of default pledged pledged exposure Derivatives 147 (106) — — 41 Total 147 (106) — — 41

Fair values

Fair values	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair values
Fair values	— Note 7 Fair values Recurring fair value measures The fair values of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value Total December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 fair value Assets Securities in “Marketable securities and short-term investments”: Equity securities 587 587 Debt securities—U.S. government obligations 209 209 Debt securities—Corporate 74 74 Derivative assets—current in “Other current assets” 176 176 Derivative assets—non-current in “Other non-current assets” 41 41 Total 209 878 — 1,087 Liabilities Derivative liabilities—current in “Other current liabilities” 133 133 Derivative liabilities—non-current in “Other non-current liabilities” 131 131 Total — 264 — 264 Total December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 fair value Assets Securities in “Marketable securities and short-term investments”: Equity securities 1,716 1,716 Debt securities—U.S. government obligations 293 293 Debt securities—Other government obligations 24 24 Debt securities—Corporate 75 75 Derivative assets—current in “Other current assets” 308 308 Derivative assets—non-current in “Other non-current assets” 114 114 Total 317 2,213 — 2,530 Liabilities Derivative liabilities—current in “Other current liabilities” 145 145 Derivative liabilities—non-current in “Other non-current liabilities” 46 46 Total — 191 — 191 During 2021, 2020 and 2019 there have been no between Level 1 and Level 2. The Company uses the following methods and assumptions in liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: • Securities in “Marketable securities and short ‑ term investments”: markets for identical assets are available, these are considered markets are not active, these inputs are considered Level available, fair value is determined using market prices for techniques, applying an appropriate risk ‑ free interest rate adjusted for non ‑ performance risk. The inputs used in present value techniques are observable and • Derivatives: The fair values of derivative instruments are determined identical instruments from an active market, if available available, price quotes for similar instruments, appropriately techniques, based on available market data, or option ‑ settled call options hedging the Company’s WAR listed warrant. The fair values obtained using price quotes for similar techniques represent a Level 2 input unless significant unobservable Non ‑ recurring fair value measures The Company elects to record private equity investments impairment, adjusted for observable price changes. The whether these investments continue to qualify for this treatment. in “Other income (expense), net”, net fair value gains of 108 73 certain of its private equity investments based on observable investment of the same issuer. these investments at December 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled 169 105 Based on valuations at July 1, 2020, the Company recorded 311 the third quarter of 2020. The fair value measurements income approach (discounted cash flow method). The unobservable inputs, which classified the fair value measurement information including further detailed information related inputs). In June 2019, upon meeting the criteria as held for sale, inverters business which was sold in February 2020 (See Note above, there were no ‑ recurring fair value measurements during 2021 and 2020 Disclosure about financial instruments carried on a The fair values of financial instruments carried on a cost Carrying Total December 31, 2021 ($ 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 2,422 2,422 2,422 Time deposits 1,737 1,737 1,737 Restricted cash 30 30 30 Marketable securities and short-term investments (excluding securities): Time deposits 300 300 300 Restricted cash, non-current 300 300 300 Liabilities Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 1,357 1,288 69 1,357 Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 4,043 4,234 58 4,292 Carrying Total December 31, 2020 ($ 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 1,765 1,765 1,765 Time deposits 1,513 1,513 1,513 Restricted cash 323 323 323 Restricted cash, non-current 300 300 300 Liabilities Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 1,266 497 769 1,266 Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 4,668 4,909 89 4,998 The Company uses the following methods and assumptions in carried on a cost basis: • Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities cash, current and non-current, and Marketable securities and ‑ term investments (excluding securities): ‑ term in nature or, for cash held in • Short ‑ term debt and current maturities of long ‑ term debt (excluding finance lease obligations): Short ‑ term debt includes commercial paper, 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 prices and other long ‑ term debt, the fair values are determined using a discounted methodology based upon borrowing rates of similar debt instruments 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, 2021
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) 2021 2020 Trade receivables 6,206 6,417 Other receivables 684 760 Allowance (339) (357) Total 6,551 6,820 “Trade receivables” in the table above includes $ 119 146 substantial majority of related contracts will be completed retained by the customer will be collected. Of the retention 60 29 “Other receivables” in the table above consists of value non ‑ trade receivables. The reconciliation of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Balance at January 1, 357 228 219 Transition adjustment — 56 — Current-period provision for expected credit losses 33 115 31 Write-offs charged against the allowance (37) (42) (19) Exchange rate differences (14) — (3) Balance at December 31, 339 357 228 The following table provides information about Contract assets ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Contract assets 990 985 1,025 Contract liabilities 1,894 1,903 1,719 Contract assets primarily relate to the Company’s right which no invoice has been issued at the reporting date. rights to receive payment become unconditional. Management be collected within one year of the respective balance Contract liabilities primarily relate to up-front advances amounts invoiced to customers in excess of revenues Contract liabilities are reduced as work is performed and as The significant changes in the Contract assets and Contract 2021 2020 Contract Contract Contract Contract ($ in millions) assets liabilities assets liabilities Revenue recognized, which was included in the Contract liabilities balance at January 1, 2021/2020 (1,086) (1,011) Additions to Contract liabilities - excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 1,136 1,129 Receivables recognized that were included in the Contract assets balance at January 1, 2021/2020 (566) (680) The Company considers its order backlog to represent December 31, 2021, the Company had unsatisfied performance 16,607 this amount, the Company expects to fulfill approximately 75 approximately 14

Inventories, net

Inventories, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Inventories, net
Inventories, net	— Note 9 Inventories, net “Inventories, net” consisted of the following: December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Raw materials 2,136 1,785 Work in process 995 1,020 Finished goods 1,594 1,499 Advances to suppliers 155 165 Total 4,880 4,469

Property, plant and equipment,

Property, plant and equipment, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, net	— Note 10 Property, “Property, plant and equipment, December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Land and buildings 3,925 3,889 Machinery and equipment 5,785 6,144 Construction in progress 522 505 10,232 10,538 Accumulated depreciation (6,187) (6,364) Total 4,045 4,174 Assets under finance leases included in “Property, December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Land and buildings 164 169 Machinery and equipment 92 79 256 248 Accumulated depreciation (123) (111) Total 133 137 In 2021, 2020 and 2019 depreciation, including depreciation $ 575 586 616 impairments of property,

Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill and intangible assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and intangible assets
Goodwill and intangible assets	— Note 11 Goodwill and intangible assets The changes in “Goodwill” were as follows: Robotics & Process Discrete Corporate ($ in millions) Electrification Motion Automation Automation and Other Total Balance at January 1, 2020 4,372 2,436 1,615 2,381 21 10,825 Goodwill acquired during the year 71 — — 21 — 92 Impairment of Goodwill — — — (290) (21) (311) Exchange rate differences and other 84 20 24 116 — 244 Balance at December 31, 2020 (1) 4,527 2,456 1,639 2,228 — 10,850 Goodwill acquired during the year 11 — — 150 — 161 Goodwill allocated to disposals — (338) (7) — — (345) Exchange rate differences and other (66) (1) (19) (98) — (184) Balance at December 31, 2021 (1) 4,472 2,117 1,613 2,280 — 10,482 (1) 10,760 11,152 impairment 278 302 The Company adopted a new operating model on July identification of the goodwill reporting units. Previously, segments for Electrification, Motion and Robotics & Discrete operating segment the reporting units were determined to be the operating segment. The new operating model provides accountability for their respective strategies, performance Company concluded that the reporting units would change operating segment. This change resulted only in an allocation thus there is no change to segment level goodwill in the As a result of the new allocation of goodwill, an interim before and after the changes fair value of the Company’s reporting units exceeded structure. The impairment test was performed for the new reporting using a discounted cash flow fair value estimate based date. The significant assumptions used to develop the estimates management’s best estimates of the expected future The fair value estimates were based on assumptions that the Company are inherently uncertain and thus, actual results may differ the individual reporting units and their associated goodwill were The interim quantitative impairment test indicated that substantially in excess of their carrying value for all reporting reporting unit within the Robotics & Discrete Automation operating economy in 2020, particularly in end-customer industries uncertainty around the continued pace of macroeconomic recovery values of the reporting units, thus affecting this does not value of the Machine Automation Division includes a past acquisitions, resulting in a proportionately higher Robotics & Discrete Automation Business Area. With economic conditions, the existing book value of the intangible reporting unit goodwill led to the carrying value of the value. During 2020, a goodwill impairment charge of $ 290 of this reporting unit to its implied fair value. The remaining was $ 554 During 2021, certain reporting units were split into separate quantitative impairment test was conducted before and that the fair value of the relevant reporting units exceeded At October 1, 2021 and 2020, respectively, that it was not more likely than not that the fair value for value. As a result, the Company concluded that it was test. “Intangible assets, net” consisted of the following: 2021 2020 Gross Accumu- Net Gross Accumu- Net carrying lated amort- carrying carrying lated amort- carrying December 31, ($ in millions) amount ization amount amount ization amount Capitalized software for internal use 835 (732) 103 828 (694) 134 Capitalized software for sale 31 (29) 2 33 (32) 1 Intangibles other than software: Customer-related 1,716 (707) 1,009 2,557 (1,104) 1,453 Technology 1,122 (868) 254 1,170 (898) 272 Marketing-related 493 (327) 166 492 (304) 188 Other 56 (29) 27 63 (33) 30 Total 4,253 (2,692) 1,561 5,143 (3,065) 2,078 In 2021 and 2020, additions to intangible assets were $ 95 78 There were no significant intangible assets acquired in Amortization expense of intangible assets consisted of ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Capitalized software for internal use 66 61 74 Intangibles other than software 252 268 271 Total 318 329 345 In 2021, 2020 and 2019, At December 31, 2021, future amortization expense of intangible ($ in millions) 2022 276 2023 249 2024 199 2025 155 2026 142 Thereafter 540 Total 1,561

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt
Debt	— Note 12 Debt The Company’s total debt at December 31, 2021 5,561 6,121 respectively. Short ‑ term debt and current maturities of lon g̩ ‑ term debt “Short ‑ term debt and current maturities of long ‑ term debt” consisted of the following: December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Short-term debt (weighted-average interest rate of 3.2 % and 2.8 %, respectively) 78 153 Current maturities of long-term debt (weighted-average nominal interest rate of 2.8 % and 3.2 %, respectively) 1,306 1,140 Total 1,384 1,293 Short ‑ term debt primarily represents ‑ term loans from various banks and issued commercial At December 31, 2021, the Company had in place two 2 Euro ‑ commercial paper program for the issuance of commercial $ 2 in the United States. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, no 2 commercial paper program. At December 31, 2021, no 2 in the United States, while $ 32 In December 2019, the Company replaced its previous $ 2 further extend the maturity of this facility to 2026. The facility is for general corporate purposes. Interest on drawings under the facility are LIBOR (for drawings EURIBOR for EURO drawings, plus a margin of 0.175 unused portion of the facility) amount to 35 0.06125 0.075 drawings up to one ‑ third of the facility, 0.15 ‑ third but less than or equal to two ‑ thirds of the facility, 0.30 ‑ thirds of the facility. The facility ‑ default clauses whereby an event of default would occur default on indebtedness as defined in the facility, No December 31, 2021 and 2020, under this facility. Long ‑ term debt The Company raises long-term debt in various currencies, certain of its debt obligations, the Company utilizes derivative In particular, the Company ‑ rate long ‑ term debt into floating rate obligations. For certain non-U.S. dollar currency interest rate swaps to effectively convert the debt, designated as being hedged by fair value hedges, component of the debt being hedged. The following table summarizes the Company’s ‑ term debt considering the effect of interest ra cross-currency interest rate swaps. Consequently, ‑ rate debt subject to a fixed ‑ to ‑ floating interest rate swap is included as a floating rate debt in the table below: 2021 2020 December 31, Nominal Effective Nominal Effective ($ in millions, except % data) Balance rate rate Balance rate rate Floating rate 3,598 1.2 % 0.3 % 3,330 1.6 % 0.2 % Fixed rate 1,885 3.0 % 3.1 % 2,638 3.2 % 3.3 % 5,483 5,968 Current portion of long-term debt (1,306) 2.8 % 1.0 % (1,140) 3.2 % 2.6 % Total 4,177 4,828 At December 31, 2021, the principal amounts of long ‑ term debt repayable (excluding finance lease obligations) at maturity were as follows: ($ in millions) 2022 1,271 2023 794 2024 1,156 2025 56 2026 — Thereafter 2,085 Total 5,362 Details of outstanding bonds were as follows: 2021 2020 December 31, (in millions) Nominal Carrying Nominal Carrying outstanding value (1) outstanding value (1) Bonds: 4.0 % USD Notes, due 2021 — USD 650 $ 649 2.25 % CHF Bonds, due 2021 — CHF 350 $ 403 2.875 % USD Notes, due 2022 USD 1,250 $ 1,258 USD 1,250 $ 1,280 0.625 % EUR Instruments, due 2023 EUR 700 $ 800 EUR 700 $ 875 0.75 % EUR Instruments, due 2024 EUR 750 $ 860 EUR 750 $ 946 0.3 % CHF Bonds, due 2024 CHF 280 $ 306 CHF 280 $ 317 3.8 % USD Notes, due 2028 (2) USD 383 $ 381 USD 383 $ 381 1.0 % CHF Bonds, due 2029 CHF 170 $ 186 CHF 170 $ 192 0 % EUR Notes, due 2030 EUR 800 $ 862 — 4.375 % USD Notes, due 2042 (2) USD 609 $ 589 USD 609 $ 589 Total $ 5,242 $ 5,632 (1) accounting, (2) 3.8 % USD Notes, the 4.375 % USD Notes, 750 During 2021, the Company repaid at maturity its 4.0 % USD Notes and its 2.25 % CHF Bonds. The 4.0 % USD Notes paid interest semi ‑ annually in arrears, while the 2.25 % CHF Bonds paid interest annually in arrears. The Company had entered into interest rate swaps 2.25 % CHF Bonds. After considering the impact of such swaps, franc obligations and consequently have been shown of long-term debt above. During 2020, in connection with exercising certain early 250 5.625 % USD Notes due 2021 and $ 450 3.375 % USD Notes due 2023, and the partial redemption cash tender offer of the 3.8 % USD Notes due 2028 and 4.375 % USD Notes due 2042, the Company recognized losses on extinguishment of debt of $ 162 early redemption, as well as the recognition of the relevant discounts and issuance costs. The 2.875 % USD Notes, due 2022, pay interest semi ‑ annually in arrears at a fixed annual rate of 2.875 4.375 % USD Notes, due 2042, pay interest semi ‑ annually in arrears at a fixed annual rate of 4.375 prior to maturity, 100 redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of remaining (excluding interest accrued to the redemption date) discounted note terms, plus interest accrued at the redemption date. Exchange Commission, were issued by ABB Finance (USA) 100 and were fully and unconditionally guaranteed by ABB of the parent company to obtain funds from its subsidiaries ‑ 01 of Regulation S ‑ X, the separate financial statements of ABB Finance has entered into interest rate swaps for an aggregate nominal 1,050 interest obligations on the 2.875 % USD Notes, due 2022. After considering the impact $ 1,050 ‑ term debt above. During 2020, by way of a cash tender offer, 141 750 4.375 % USD Notes due 2042 issued. The 0.625 % EUR Instruments, due 2023 pay interest annually 0.625 annum. The Company may redeem these notes three part, at the greater of (i) 100 the present values of remaining scheduled payments of the redemption date) discounted to the redemption date at accrued at the redemption date. The Company may redeem Par call date at 100 interest rate swaps to hedge its interest on these bonds. notes effectively became floating rate euro obligations debt, in the table of long ‑ term debt above. The 0.75 % EUR Instruments, due 2024 pay interest annually in arrears 0.75 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 swaps, these bonds effectively became floating rate floating rate debt in the table of long ‑ term debt above. In April 2018, the Company issued the following notes 300 2.8 % USD Notes, due 2020, (ii) $ 450 3.375 % USD Notes, due 2023, and (iii) $ 750 3.8 % USD Notes, due 2028. Each of the respective notes pays interest semi ‑ annually in arrears. The 2020 Notes were repaid October 2020 and the 2023 Notes were redeemed in full in remaining principal outstanding on the 2028 Notes up three months in part, at the greater of (i) 100 of the present values of remaining scheduled payments to the redemption date) discounted to the redemption date at a accrued at the redemption date. On or after January 3, 2028 three months Company may also redeem the 2028 Notes, in whole or 100 excluding, the redemption date. During 2020 by way $ 367 750 3.8 % USD Notes due 2028 issued. These notes, registered U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, were issued by ABB 100 finance subsidiary, restrictions on the ability of the parent company to obtain reliance on Rule 13-01 of Regulation S ‑ X, the separate financial statements of ABB Finance (USA) not provided. In February 2019, the Company issued the following notes: 280 0.3 % CHF Bonds, due 2024 and (ii) CHF 170 1.0 % CHF Bonds, due 2029. Each of the respective notes annually in arrears. The Company recorded aggregate fees, of CHF 449 449 In January 2021, the Company issued zero interest Notes 800 due in 2030. The Company recorded net proceeds (after 791 $ 960 redemption terms as the 0.625 % EUR Instruments above. In line with the Company’s currency and interest rate exposures, cross-currency characteristics of these instruments. After considering the impact the Company effectively has a floating rate U.S. 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 Furthermore, all such bonds constitute unsecured obligations debt obligations. In addition to the bonds described above, included in long ‑ term debt at December 31, 2021 and 2020, are finance lease obligations, bank borrowings of subsidiaries and other ‑ term debt, none of which is individually significant. Subsequent events At February 23, 2022, the amount outstanding under the 2 $ 475

Other provisions, other current

Other provisions, other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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) 2021 2020 Contract-related provisions 762 754 Restructuring and restructuring-related provisions 188 292 Provision for insurance-related reserves 174 176 Provisions for contractual penalties and compliance and litigation matters 63 113 Other 199 184 Total 1,386 1,519 “Other current liabilities” consisted of the following: December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Employee-related liabilities 1,547 1,467 Accrued expenses 768 650 Non-trade payables 644 622 Income taxes payable 378 395 Accrued customer rebates 322 317 Other tax liabilities 298 286 Derivative liabilities (see Note 6) 133 145 Deferred income 95 130 Pension and other employee benefits 41 42 Accrued interest 28 29 Other 113 98 Total 4,367 4,181 “Other non ‑ current liabilities” consisted of the following: December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Income tax related liabilities 1,458 1,423 Derivative liabilities (see Note 6) 130 46 Provisions for contractual penalties and compliance and litigation matters 129 120 Deferred income 74 138 Employee-related liabilities 59 70 Environmental provisions 39 38 Other 227 190 Total 2,116 2,025

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Leases
Leases	— Note 14 Leases The Company’s lease obligations primarily relate to real of lease expense were as follows: Machinery Land and buildings and equipment Total ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Operating lease cost 240 287 268 73 89 101 313 376 369 Finance lease cost 17 13 14 20 16 22 37 29 36 Short-term lease cost 26 17 19 14 31 29 40 48 48 Sub-lease income (24) (20) (2) (1) (1) — (25) (21) (2) Total lease expense 259 297 299 106 135 152 365 432 451 The following table presents supplemental cash flow information Machinery Land and buildings and equipment Total ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Operating leases: Cash paid under operating cash flows 223 263 252 68 83 96 291 346 348 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new liabilities 267 266 153 86 57 52 353 323 205 In 2021, 2020 and 2019 the cash flow amounts under finance At December 31, 2021, the future net minimum lease payments related present value of the net minimum lease payments Operating Leases Finance Leases Land and Machinery Land and Machinery ($ in millions) buildings and equipment buildings and equipment 2022 197 71 21 15 2023 164 39 21 12 2024 134 21 19 8 2025 109 9 18 5 2026 81 1 16 1 Thereafter 154 1 54 — Total minimum lease payments 839 142 149 41 Difference between undiscounted cash flows (59) (3) (28) (1) Present value of minimum lease payments 780 139 121 40 The following table presents certain information related Land and Machinery buildings and equipment 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Operating Leases: Weighted-average remaining term (months) 73 84 78 30 29 29 Weighted-average discount rate 2.6% 3.0% 3.0% 1.9% 2.0% 2.2% Finance Leases: Weighted-average remaining term (months) 100 107 110 40 40 33 Weighted-average discount rate 7.7% 7.7% 8.2% 1.8% 2.3% 2.8% The present value of minimum finance lease payments ‑ term debt and current maturities of long ‑ term debt” and “Long ‑ term debt” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December $ 27 134 27 $ 160

Commitments and contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments and contingencies
Commitments and contingencies	— Note 15 Commitments and contingencies Contingencies—Regulatory, Regulatory As a result of an internal investigation, the Company self-reported Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DoJ) Office (SFO) in the United Kingdom concerning certain including alleged improper payments made by these entities investigation, which it originally announced in February 2017, as prosecution. The Company continues to cooperate with the not possible for the Company to make an informed judgment Based on findings during an internal investigation, the United States, to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and Africa as well as to various authorities in other countries concerns in connection with some of the Company’s parties have expressed an interest in, or commenced an cooperating fully with them. The Company paid $ 104 final settlement with Eskom and the Special Investigatin compliance issues associated with the Controls and Instrumentation Units 1 and 2 at Kusile. The Company continues to cooperate Kusile project and is in discussions with them regarding a coordinated believes that there could be an unfavorable outcome in is not possible for the Company to make an informed General The Company is aware of proceedings, or the threat of private claims by customers and other third parties with regard practices. Also, the Company is subject to other claims carried out by various law enforcement authorities. With respect matters, and any related proceedings, the Company will bear resolve them. Liabilities recognized At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had aggregate 104 100 respectively, included ‑ current liabilities”, for the above regulatory, compliance and legal contingencies, and none of the individual not possible to make an informed judgment on, or reasonably it is not possible, based on information currently available to management, liability on other matters, there could be adverse outcomes Guarantees General The following table provides quantitative data regarding the Company ‑ party guarantees. The maximum potential payments represent a “worst ‑ case scenario”, and do not reflect management’s Maximum potential payments (1) December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Performance guarantees 4,540 6,726 Financial guarantees 52 339 Indemnification guarantees (2) 136 177 Total 4,728 7,242 (1) Maximum potential payments include amounts in both continuing (2) Certain indemnifications provided to Hitachi in connection with The carrying amount of liabilities recorded in the Consolidated estimate of future payments, which it may incur as part above guarantees, the carrying amounts of liabilities at December 156 million and $ 135 The Company is party to various guarantees providing financial parties. These guarantees, which have various maturities guarantees whereby (i) the Company guarantees the performance according to the terms of a contract and (ii) as member parties, the Company guarantees not only its own performance guarantees may include guarantees that a project will does not fulfill the obligation, the Company will compensate original maturity dates for the majority of these performance one ten years . In conjunction with the divestment of the high ‑ voltage cable and cables accessories businesses, Company has entered into various performance guarantees of the divested business. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, guarantees amounts to $ 911 994 maturities ranging from five ten years . The Company retained obligations for financial, performance Power Grids business sold on July 1, 2020 (see Note 3 guarantees have been indemnified by Hitachi at the same proportion formerly Hitachi ABB Power Grids ( 80.1 2035, primarily consist of bank guarantees, standby letters other trade-related guarantees, the majority of which have one ten years. The maximum amount payable under these guarantees approximately $ 3.2 5.5 discontinued operations) at December 31, 2021 and 2020, 136 135 respectively. Commercial commitments In addition, in the normal course of bidding for and executing standby letters of credit, bid/performance bonds and surety various financial institutions. Customers can draw on such performance does not fulfill its contractual obligations. The Company financial institution for amounts paid under the performance outstanding performance bonds aggregated to $ 3.6 4.3 0.1 and $ 0.3 reimbursed to financial institutions under these types of Product and order ‑ related contingencies The Company calculates its provision for product warranties specific review of certain contracts. The reconciliation of the “Provisions for warranties”, including follows: ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Balance at January 1, 1,035 816 948 Net change in warranties due to acquisitions, divestments and liabilities held for sale (1) 1 8 (88) Claims paid in cash or in kind (222) (209) (310) Net increase in provision for changes in estimates, warranties issued and warranties expired 226 369 276 Exchange rate differences (35) 51 (10) Balance at December 31, 1,005 1,035 816 (1) In 2020, the Company determined that the provision for a product was no longer sufficient to cover expected warranty unexpected level of product failure, the previously estimated product $ 143 costs relate to a divested business, in accordance with the segment performance, Operational EBITA The warranty liability has been recorded based on the in the future. Related party transactions The Company conducts business with certain companies Directors or Executive Committee act, or in recent years Company’s Board of Directors has determined companies do not constitute material business relationships. This with the Company’s related party transaction policy Practice and the independence criteria set forth in the Exchange.

Income taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Income taxes
Income taxes	— Note 16 Income taxes “Income tax expense” consisted of the following: ($ in millions) Current taxes 1,346 776 855 Deferred taxes (289) (280) (83) Income tax expense allocated to continuing operations 1,057 496 772 Income tax expense allocated to discontinued operations 1 322 167 Income tax expense from continuing operations is reconciled ‑ average global tax rate (rather than from the Swiss domestic statutory Group, ABB Ltd, is domiciled in Switzerland and income generated (hereafter “foreign jurisdictions”) which has already been subject jurisdictions is, to a large extent, tax exempt in Switzerland. parent company of a group to file a tax return of the consolidated pre ‑ tax income. As the Company’s consolidated income from outside of Switzerland, the weighted ‑ average global tax rate of the Company results from income tax rates in foreign jurisdictions. The reconciliation of “Income tax expense from continuing operations” ‑ average tax rate to the effective tax rate is as follows: ($ in millions, except % data) Income from continuing operations before income taxes 5,787 841 1,862 Weighted-average global tax rate 23.7% 22.9% 18.3% Income taxes at weighted-average tax rate 1,371 193 341 Items taxed at rates other than the weighted-average tax rate 176 3 (7) Unrecognized tax benefits 151 (38) 133 Changes in valuation allowance, net (95) 29 198 Effects of changes in tax laws and enacted tax rates 1 23 63 Non-deductible / non-taxable items (542) 232 44 Other, net (5) 54 — Income tax expense from continuing operations 1,057 496 772 Effective tax rate for the year 18.3% 59.0% 41.5% The allocation of consolidated income from continuing operations, Switzerland, impacts the “weighted-average global tax rate”. the weighted-average global tax rate by approximately 1 the applicable jurisdictions, the loss recorded for the planned weighted-average global tax rate by approximately 2 In 2021, “Items taxed at rates other than the weighted-average 107 amounts related to the divestment of the Dodge business In 2021, “Changes in valuation allowance, net” included positive Europe of $ 82 In 2020, “Changes in valuation allowance, net” predominantly resulting from changes in the expectations at that time of future time on the Company’s business from the COVID-19 In 2019, “Changes in valuation allowance, net” included adjustments jurisdictions where the Company updated its assessment tax assets would be realized. In 2019, the Company recorded 158 allowance in certain operations in North America, including assets arising in 2019. There were no significant impacts from “Effects 2020, the amount primarily reflects the impact of changes $ 16 benefit in 2019 was mostly offset by a related change $ 17 In 2021, “Non-deductible / non-taxable items” includes $ 567 divestments and internal reorganizations where the reported related taxable gain as well as the impact of a recognition of differences. In 2020, the negative impact was 232 82 non-deductible goodwill. In addition, the amount in 2020 includes 62 pension costs resulting from the settlement of certain defined deductible. “Non-deductible / non-taxable items” also accounting purposes but are typically not tax deductible, such on productive activities, disallowed amounts for meals and The amounts in 2019 related primarily to these typically In 2021 and 2019, “Unrecognized tax benefits” in the table 150 $ 91 competent tax authorities. In 2020, “Unrecognized tax 20 In 2020, “Other, net” includes 54 Deferred tax assets and liabilities (excluding amounts of the following: December 31, ($ in millions) Deferred tax assets: Unused tax losses and credits 551 758 Provisions and other accrued liabilities 757 750 Other current assets including receivables 104 114 Pension 338 413 Inventories 266 370 Intangible assets 1,135 901 Other 57 48 Total gross deferred tax asset 3,208 3,354 Valuation allowance (1,263) (1,518) Total gross deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance 1,945 1,836 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment (245) (275) Intangible assets (281) (419) Other assets (107) (107) Pension (302) (223) Other liabilities (175) (268) Inventories (35) (29) Unremitted earnings of subsidiaries (308) (333) Total gross deferred tax liability (1,453) (1,654) Net deferred tax asset (liability ) 492 182 Included in: “Deferred taxes”—non-current assets 1,177 843 “Deferred taxes”—non-current liabilities (685) (661) Net deferred tax asset (liability) 492 182 Certain entities have deferred tax assets related to net ‑ forwards and other items. As recognition of these assets in certain entities did not meet the allowances have been recorded. table above, included $ 93 170 valuation allowance as, due to limitations imposed by more likely than not, such deferred tax assets would not be realized. The valuation allowance at December 31, 2021, 2020 1,263 1,518 $ 1,632 At December 31, 2021 and 2020, deferred tax liabilities 308 333 have been provided for withholding taxes, dividend distribution (hereafter “withholding taxes”) on unremitted earnings event of repatriation of the foreign earnings to Switzerland. Switzerland and has already been subject to corporate income extent, tax exempt in Switzerland and therefore, generally provided for on the repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Certain countries levy withholding taxes on dividend distributions reclaimed by the Company’s relevant subsidiary withheld and paid by the relevant subsidiary distributing in certain foreign jurisdictions for which the technical December 31, 2021 and 2020, foreign subsidiary retained distribution of approximately $ 100 100 reinvested, as these funds are used for financing current working capital and capital expenditure in those countries recorded. At December 31, 2021, net operating loss carry ‑ forwards of $ 2,170 69 available to reduce future income taxes of certain subsidiaries. 1,258 loss carry-forwards and $ 48 remainder are available for carryforward indefinitely. ‑ 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, 2019 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 Net change due to acquisitions and divestments 1 — 1 Increase relating to prior year tax positions 298 96 394 Decrease relating to prior year tax positions (161) (57) (218) Increase relating to current year tax positions 390 5 395 Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities (340) (75) (415) Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations (59) (16) (75) Exchange rate differences 63 6 69 Balance at December 31, 2020, which would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate 1,298 192 1,490 Net change due to acquisitions and divestments 16 (6) 10 Increase relating to prior year tax positions 240 58 298 Decrease relating to prior year tax positions (42) (3) (45) Increase relating to current year tax positions 98 7 105 Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities (175) (20) (195) Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations (72) (22) (94) Exchange rate differences (41) (7) (48) Balance at December 31, 2021, which would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate 1,322 199 1,521 In 2021, “Increase relating to current year tax positions” 72 interpretation of tax law and double tax treaty agreements by competent In 2020 and 2019, “Increase relating to current year tax 381 $ 163 competent tax authorities. In 2020, $ 301 381 discontinued operations. In 2021, “Increase relating to prior year tax positions” included 240 interpretation of tax law and double tax treaty agreements by competent In 2020, “Increase relating to prior year tax positions” is and double tax treaty agreements by competent tax authorities 73 Income tax expense in discontinued operations. In 2021, “Decrease relating to prior year tax positions” included 42 assessments in Europe of $ 33 In 2020, “Decrease relating to prior year tax positions” 85 interpretation of tax law in Asia and changed tax risk assessments 59 In 2021, “Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities” received in Europe. In 2020, “Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities” Europe. At December 31, 2021, the Company expected the resolution, tax benefits related to pending court cases amounting to $ 63 Otherwise, the Company had not identified any other possible to occur within the next twelve months. At December 31, 2021, the earliest significant open tax years following: Region Year Europe 2015 United States 2018 Rest of Americas 2017 China 2012 Rest of Asia, Middle East and Africa 2011

Employee benefits

Employee benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Employee benefits
Employee benefits	Other Defined pension postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 Benefit obligation at January 1, 3,870 4,308 5,527 7,878 98 110 Service cost 61 74 47 92 1 1 Interest cost (5) 6 72 111 2 3 Contributions by plan participants 36 72 8 12 — — Benefit payments (130) (160) (207) (295) (9) (12) Settlements (124) (101) (84) (2,542) — — Benefit obligations of businesses acquired (divested) — (765) (46) (165) (11) (5) Actuarial (gain) loss (140) 71 (15) 214 (8) 4 Plan amendments and other — — 13 (64) (2) (3) Exchange rate differences (134) 365 (200) 286 — — Benefit obligation at December 31, 3,434 3,870 5,115 5,527 71 98 Fair value of plan assets at January 1, 4,133 4,189 4,608 6,246 — — Actual return on plan assets 279 191 197 375 — — Contributions by employer 63 228 124 611 9 12 Contributions by plan participants 36 72 8 12 — — Benefit payments (130) (160) (207) (295) (9) (12) Settlements (124) (101) (84) (2,542) — — Plan assets of businesses acquired (divested) — (664) (50) (82) — — Plan amendments and other — — 14 62 — — Exchange rate differences (144) 378 (147) 221 — — Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 4,113 4,133 4,463 4,608 — — Funded status — overfunded (underfunded) 679 263 (652) (919) (71) (98) The amounts recognized in "Accumulated other comprehensive Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits December 31, ($ in millions) Net actuarial (loss) gain (1,540) (2,038) (2,782) 21 21 28 Prior service credit 72 75 59 7 11 13 Amount recognized in OCI (1) (2) (1,468) (1,963) (2,723) 28 32 41 Taxes in OCI and NCI 352 374 536 — — — Amount recognized in OCI and NCI, net of tax (3) (1,116) (1,589) (2,187) 28 32 41 (1) (2) (3) 0 (1) (1) In addition, the following amounts were recognized Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 Overfunded plans 683 267 208 92 — — Underfunded plans — current — — (23) (22) (7) (9) Underfunded plans — non-current (4) (4) (837) (989) (64) (89) Funded status - overfunded (underfunded) 679 263 (652) (919) (71) (98) December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Non-current assets Overfunded pension plans 891 359 Other employee-related benefits 1 1 Pension and other employee benefits 892 360 December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Current liabilities Underfunded pension plans (23) (22) Underfunded other postretirement benefit plans (10) (9) Other employee-related benefits (8) (11) Pension and other employee benefits (41) (42) December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Non-current liabilities Underfunded pension plans (841) (993) Underfunded other postretirement benefit plans (62) (89) Other employee-related benefits (122) (149) Pension and other employee benefits (1,025) (1,231) PBO exceeds fair value of plan assets ABO exceeds fair value of plan assets December 31, Switzerland International Switzerland International ($ in millions) PBO 12 13 2,994 5,131 12 13 2,979 5,008 ABO 12 13 2,917 5,056 12 13 2,905 4,942 Fair value of plan assets 8 9 2,133 4,120 8 9 2,119 4,004 All of the Company's other postretirement benefit plans 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) 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Operational pension cost: Service cost 61 74 76 47 92 113 1 1 1 Operational pension cost 61 74 76 47 92 113 1 1 1 Non-operational pension cost (credit): Interest cost (5) 6 15 72 111 174 2 3 4 Expected return on plan assets (116) (123) (112) (178) (253) (276) — — — Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (9) (11) (14) (2) 2 2 (3) (2) (5) Amortization of net actuarial loss — 7 — 67 109 108 (2) (3) (3) Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits 1 6 11 7 644 27 — — (10) Non-operational pension cost (credit) (129) (115) (100) (34) 613 35 (3) (2) (14) Net periodic benefit cost (68) (41) (24) 13 705 148 (2) (1) (13) The components of net periodic benefit cost other than Non-operational pension (cost) credit in the Consolidated includes $ 121 47 Assumptions The following weighted-average assumptions were used Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International December 31, (in %) 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 Discount rate 0.2 — 2.1 1.6 2.6 2.1 Rate of compensation increase — — 1.5 1.0 0.3 0.2 Rate of pension increase — — 1.7 1.4 — — Cash balance interest credit rate 1.0 1.0 2.1 2.1 — — For the Company’s significant benefit plans, the discount on a high-quality corporate bond yield curve (derived based reputable third-party index and data providers and rating agencies) of the future expected benefit payments for the respective plans in each currency zone, based on the duration of other countries, the discount rate is based on high quality the respective currency, respective plan’s obligations. The following weighted-average assumptions were used Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International (in %) 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Discount rate — 0.3 0.8 1.6 1.9 2.8 2.1 2.8 3.9 Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.0 4.3 4.9 — — — Rate of compensation increase — — — 1.0 2.2 2.4 0.2 0.2 0.2 Cash balance interest credit rate 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.1 1.6 1.6 — — — The “Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets” expected future long-term return assumption for each individual assumption is then derived for each plan based upon the The Company maintains other postretirement benefit plans, which contributions adjusted annually. December 31, 2021 2020 Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 5.1% 5.9% Rate to which the trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) 4.5% 4.9% Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2026 2028 Plan assets The Company has pension plans in various countries deriving from a limited number of these countries. The pension plans are typically funded by regular contributions plans are typically administered by boards of trustees primary responsibilities include ensuring that the plans meet investment returns. The boards of trustees have the responsibility decisions within a risk-controlled framework. The pension plan assets are invested in diversified portfolios managers, in accordance with local statutory regulations, investment guidelines, as approved by the boards of trustees. Plan assets are generally segregated from those of the respective plans’ projected future pension liabilities. Plan sheet date. The boards of trustees manage the assets of the pension plans risks embedded in the pension plans through asset/liability studies typically take place every three years. However, basis. The boards of trustees’ investment goal is to maximize risk parameters, while considering the future liabilities measures taken into account include the funding ratio contributions being required, the risk embedded in each individual a whole. The Company’s global pension asset allocation is the which are set by the respective boards of trustees. The target weighted-average basis is as follows: Target (in %) Switzerland International Asset class Equity 15 15 Fixed income 54 72 Real estate 26 4 Other 5 9 Total 100 100 The actual asset allocations of the plans are in line with the Equity securities primarily include investments in large-cap income assets primarily include corporate bonds of companies bonds. Both fixed income and equity assets are invested either mandates, and include an allocation to emerging markets. real estate in Switzerland held in the Swiss plans. The “Other” equity, hedge funds, Based on the above global asset allocation and the fair return on assets at December 31, 2021, is 3.4 regularly review the investment performance of the asset classes diversified nature of the investments, the Company is exists in its pension fund assets. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, plan assets include ABB the Company’s debt instruments) with a total value 8 8 The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets information on the fair value hierarchy and an overview the “Fair value measures” section of Note 2. Not subject Total December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 to leveling (1) fair value Asset class Equity Equity securities 124 1 125 Mutual funds/commingled funds 1,049 1,049 Emerging market mutual funds/commingled funds 218 218 Fixed income Government and corporate securities 314 1,366 1,680 Government and corporate—mutual funds/commingled funds 3,121 3,121 Emerging market bonds—mutual funds/commingled funds 428 428 Real estate 1,326 1,326 Insurance contracts 74 74 Cash and short-term investments 75 158 233 Private equity 65 257 322 Total 513 6,480 1,583 8,576 Not subject Total December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 to leveling (1) fair value Asset class Equity Equity securities 180 5 185 Mutual funds/commingled funds 1,298 1,298 Emerging market mutual funds/commingled funds 243 243 Fixed income Government and corporate securities 389 1,415 1,804 Government and corporate—mutual funds/commingled funds 2,876 2,876 Emerging market bonds—mutual funds/commingled funds 547 547 Real estate 1,289 1,289 Insurance contracts 50 50 Cash and short-term investments 103 190 293 Private equity 156 156 Hedge funds 1 1 Total 672 6,624 1,446 8,742 Amounts relate The Company applies accounting guidance related to the presentation asset value (NAV) expedient from categorization within the fair value hierarchy. exchange-traded commingled or collective funds in private underlying assets is determined by the investment manager. redeemed, but instead the funds will make distributions unfunded commitments for the private equity funds were 125 115 December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. up to three years after subscribing. After this period, the of three to twelve months. Contributions Employer contributions were as follows: Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 Total and other postretirement benefit plans 63 228 124 611 9 12 Of which, discretionary contributions to defined benefit pension plans — 152 61 520 — — The total contributions included non-cash contributions 53 224 2021 and 2020, of available-for-sale debt securities to The Company expects to contribute approximately $ 108 Of these discretionary contributions, $ 5 expects to contribute approximately $ 7 The Company also contributes to a number of defined contribution plans in continuing operations was $ 278 205 190 respectively. Contributions Estimated future benefit payments The expected future cash flows to be paid by the Company’s postretirement benefit plans at December 31, 2021, are Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits ($ in millions) Switzerland International International 2022 256 265 7 2023 241 257 7 2024 226 255 6 2025 220 256 6 2026 213 259 5 Years 2027 - 2031 977 1,299 22 Note 17 Employee benefits The Company operates defined benefit pension plans, indemnity plans, in accordance with local regulations and most significant defined benefit pension plans are in Switzerland and the United States. These plans cover a large portion of to employees in the event of death, disability, plans are multi ‑ employer plans. The Company also operates other postretirement postretirement health care benefits and other employee ‑ related benefits for active employees including long ‑ service award plans. The measurement date used December 31. The funding policies of the Company’s requirements. During 2020, the Company took steps to transfer the defined three countries to external financial institutions. Two while the third plan involved the settlement of specific obligations with these transactions, the Company made net payments of 309 pension charges of $ 520 and special termination benefits. The Company also made cash 143 operational pension charges of $ 101 operations. The Company recognizes in its Consolidated Balance Sheets plans, postretirement plans and other employee ‑ related benefits measured as the difference between value of the plan assets and the benefit obligation. Unless otherwise indicated, the following tables include amounts operations. Obligations and funded status of the plans The change in benefit obligation, change in fair value of Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:

Share-based payment arrangement

Share-based payment arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based payment arrangements
Share-based payment arrangements	— Note 18 Share-based payment arrangements The Company has granted share-based instruments to three ‑ based payment plans, as more fully described in the respective equity ‑ settled awards is recorded in Total and totaled $ 59 44 46 cost for cash ‑ settled awards, as mentioned in the WARs, LTIP ‑ based payments sections of this note. The total tax benefit recognized in 2021, 2020 and 2019 was not significant. At December 31, 2021, the Company had the ability to 94 capital in connection with share ‑ based payment arrangements. In addition, 23 95 held by the Company as treasury stock at December 31, ‑ based payment arrangements. As the primary trading market for the shares of ABB Ltd 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 to the instruments granted under share ‑ based payment arrangements are presented in Swiss francs. Management Incentive Plan Up to 2019, the Company offered, under the MIP, ‑ settled WARs to key employees no consideration. Starting in 2020, the employee group granted shares under the LTIP 2020 under the MIP. The options granted under the MIP allow participants to Participants may sell the options rather than exercise the right listed by a third ‑ party bank on the SIX Swiss Exchange, which facilitates pricing granted under this plan. The options entitle the holder ‑ party bank purchase such options at the market price of equivalent listed warrants sell the options, the options will thereafter be held by a obligation to deliver shares will be toward this third Each WAR gives the participant the right on the date of exercise of the WAR. Participants vesting period, which is three years six years date of grant. Options The fair value of each option was estimated on the date of assumptions noted in the table below. listed warrants on ABB Ltd shares. The expected term of the six‑year each option, based on the fact that after the vesting period, a participant than exercise the right to purchase shares, thereby also ‑ free rate was based on a six‑year six‑year estimating forfeitures, the Company used data from previous 2019 Expected volatility 19% Dividend yield 4.7% Expected term 6 years Risk-free interest rate -0.9% Presented below is a summary of the 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, 2021 336.1 67.2 21.16 Exercised (4) (160.0) (32.0) 20.25 Forfeited (1.7) (0.3) 20.31 Outstanding at December 31, 2021 174.4 34.9 22.00 2.4 450 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2021 174.4 34.9 22.00 2.4 450 Exercisable at December 31, 2021 158.5 31.7 22.30 2.3 400 (1) Information 5 :1. (2) Information (3) Computed using Swiss francs. (4) The cash received 693 At December 31, 2021, the total unrecognized compensation ‑ vested options granted under the MIP was not significant. ‑ average grant ‑ date fair value (per option) of options granted during 2019 was 0.34 2021 and 2020, the aggregate intrinsic value (on the date of approximately $ 313 38 Presented below is a summary, Weighted- average Number of Number of remaining options shares contractual Exercise price (in Swiss francs) (1) (in millions) (in millions) (2) term (in years) 21.50 9.3 1.9 0.7 22.50 63.4 12.7 1.6 23.50 61.6 12.3 2.7 19.00 40.1 8.0 3.7 Total number of options and shares 174.4 34.9 2.4 (1) Information (2) Information WARs As each WAR gives the holder the right warrant on date of exercise, the Company records a liability based at each period end, accreted on a straight ‑ line basis over the three‑year and administrative expenses, the Company records the outstanding WARs. To Company purchased cash ‑ settled call options, which entitle the Company to receive its obligations under the outstanding WARs. ‑ settled call options are recorded as derivatives measured at fair value (see Note 6), with subsequent changes administrative expenses to the extent that they offset The total impact in Selling, general and administrative The aggregate fair value of outstanding WARs 29 21 2020, respectively. The warrants listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Presented below is a summary of the activity related to WARs: (in millions) Number of WARs Outstanding at January 1, 2021 22.1 Exercised (12.6) Forfeited (0.1) Outstanding at December 31, 2021 9.4 Exercisable at December 31, 2021 3.8 The aggregate fair value at date of grant of WARs previously, no ‑ based liabilities of $ 25 13 in 2019 were not significant. Employee Share Acquisition Plan The employee share acquisition plan (ESAP) is an employee ‑ option plan with a savings feature. Employees save over a twelve‑month period, employees choose whether to exercise their stock buy ABB Ltd shares (American Depositary Shares (ADS) Canada—each ADS representing one date, or have their savings returned with any interest. a third ‑ party trustee on behalf of the participants and earn withdraw from the ESAP at any time during the savings accumulated savings. The fair value of each option is estimated on the date described under the MIP, granted has been determined to be the contractual one‑year options vest and the participants are required to decide whether to savings returned with interest. The risk ‑ free rate is based on one‑year the one‑year previous ESAP launches. 2021 2020 2019 Expected volatility 20% 24% 18% Dividend yield 2.9% 3.8% 4.1% Expected term 1 year 1 year 1 year Risk-free interest rate -0.6% -0.7% -0.7% 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, 2021 2.1 22.87 Granted 1.8 30.32 Forfeited (0.1) 22.87 Exercised (4) (1.7) 22.87 Not exercised (savings returned plus interest) (0.3) 22.87 Outstanding at December 31, 2021 1.8 30.32 0.8 8.3 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2021 1.7 30.32 0.8 7.9 Exercisable at December 31, 2021 — — — — (1) Includes shares (2) Information (3) Computed using Swiss francs. (4) The cash received 42 The exercise prices per ABB Ltd share and per ADS of 30.32 33.35 , respectively, 2021 grant, 22.87 24.93 , respectively, 20.78 $ 20.17 , respectively, SIX Swiss Exchange and ADS on the New York At December 31, 2021, the total unrecognized compensation ‑ vested options granted under the ESAP was not significant. The weighted ‑ average grant ‑ date fair value (per option) of options granted during 2021, 2020 and 2019 was 1.96 1.67 1.05 respectively. The total $ 14 Long-Term Incentive The long ‑ term incentive plan (LTIP) conditions (Performance Shares) to members of the Company’s senior executives, as defined in the terms of the LTIP. previously eligible to receive grants under the MIP have been delivered under the LTIP’s as set out below, over a three-year the end of this period. In addition, for certain awards to three-year condition as defined in the terms and conditions of the The Performance Shares under the 2021, 2020 and 2019 based on the Company’s earnings per share performance, Company’s relative total shareholder return. For the relative total shareholder return component of the Performance that will be delivered at a future date is based on the Company’s to a peer group of companies over a three-year shares that will ultimately be delivered will vary depending achieved between a lower threshold (no shares delivered) delivered is capped at 200 For the earnings per share performance component of the that will be delivered at a future date is based on the Company’s three financial years, beginning with the year of launch. The actual delivered will vary depending on the earnings per share outcome interpolated between a lower threshold (no shares delivered) delivered is capped at 200 Under the 2019 LTIP 65 shares and 35 receive the 35 participants generally do not have the ability to receive in certain jurisdictions. Presented below is a summary of activity under the Performance Weighted-average Number of grant-date Performance Shares fair value per share (in millions) (Swiss francs) Nonvested at January 1, 2021 1.3 12.76 Granted 0.9 38.92 Vested (0.4) 25.78 Forfeited (0.3) 19.82 Nonvested at December 31, 2021 1.5 23.23 The aggregate fair value, at the dates of grant, of Performance $ 37 18 shares that vested during 2019 was $ 21 weighted-average grant-date fair value (per share) of shares 38.92 10.50 15.94 Starting in 2020, key employees which were previously eligible included in the employee group granted the Performance Shares of the Company under the LTIP. over a three-year Presented below is a summary of activity under the Restricted Weighted-average Number of grant-date Restricted Shares fair value per share (in millions) (Swiss francs) Nonvested at January 1, 2021 1.2 15.80 Granted 0.9 26.39 Forfeited (0.1) 18.09 Nonvested at December 31, 2021 2.0 20.61 The aggregate fair value, at the dates of grant, of Restricted $ 26 22 ‑ average grant ‑ date fair value (per share) of shares granted during 2021 and 2020 was 26.39 15.76 Equity ‑ settled awards are recorded in the Additional paid ‑ in capital component of Stockholders’ equity, compensation cost recorded in Selling, general and administrative from grant date to the end of the vesting period) based on ‑ date fair value of the shares. Cash ‑ settled awards are recorded as a liability, percentage vested, with changes in the liability recorded in Selling, At December 31, 2021, total unrecognized compensation cost ‑ settled awards under the LTIP was $ 59 2 compensation cost recorded in 2021, 2020 and 2019 ‑ settled awards was not significant. For the relative total shareholder return component of the 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 yield, the volatility of the Company’s and the peer peer companies. For the earnings per share component shares is based on the market price of the ABB Ltd share ‑ settled awards and at each reporting date for cash ‑ settled awards, as well as the probable outcome of the earnings achievement, as computed using a Monte Carlo simulation Company’s and external financial analysts’ revenue expectations. Other share ‑ based payments The Company has other minor share ‑ based payment arrangements with certain employees. compensation cost related to these arrangements in 2021,

Stockholders' equity

Stockholders' equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Stockholders' equity
Stockholders' equity	— Note 19 Stockholders' equity At December 31, 2021, the Company had 2,557 2,053 registered and issued. At December 31, 2020, the Company 2,672 2,168 At the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) in proposal of the Board of Directors to distribute a total of 0.80 distribution amounted to $ 1,730 remaining amounts in April 2021. At the AGM in March Board of Directors to distribute a total of 0.80 amounted to $ 1,758 approved the proposal of the Board of Directors to distribute 0.80 approved dividend distribution amounted to $ 1,675 In July 2020, the Company announced it initially intends 10 time represented a maximum of 180 share buyback program that started in July 2020. The second trading line on the SIX Swiss Exchange and was program, the Company purchased a total of approximately 129 3.5 of which approximately 20 628 purchased in 2021 and approximately 109 $ 2,835 cancellation of 115 completed in the second quarter of 2021, resulting in a 3,157 corresponding total decrease in Capital stock, Additional paid-in In March 2021, the Company announced a follow-up share 4.3 buyback program, which was launched in April 2021, Swiss Exchange and is planned to run until the Company’s buyback program, the Company purchased, in 2021, approximately 59 in Treasury stock of $ 2,022 approval to cancel the shares purchased through this follow-up shares purchased under the initial share buyback program Company’s AGM in March 2021. In addition to the ongoing share buyback program, in 2021 33 13 share plans, resulting in an increase in Treasury 1,032 346 Upon and in connection with each launch of the Company’s fair value, giving the bank the right to acquire shares equivalent MIP WAR awards to participants. Under be exercised by the bank to the extent that MIP participants have 2021, such call options representing 5.4 19.00 23.50 ‑ average strike price of 21.93 options expire in periods ranging from August 2022 to 3.5 instruments, with strike prices ranging from 19.00 23.50 ‑ average strike price of 22.64 bank. In addition to the above, at December 31, 2021, the Company • 2 strike price of 21.50 • 13 strike price of 22.50 • 12 strike price of 23.50 • 8 strike price of 19.00 • 2 • 8 LTIP, • 1 ‑ based payment arrangements with employees. See Note 18 for a description of the above share ‑ based payment arrangements. In 2021 and 2020, the Company delivered approximately 36 17 treasury stock, for options exercised in relation to the MIP, addition, in 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company delivered 1.7 1.4 0.5 respectively, out Amounts available to be distributed as dividends to the stockholders requirements of Swiss law and ABB Ltd’s Articles presented in the unconsolidated financial statements of December 31, 2021, the total unconsolidated stockholders’ 6,837 ($ 7,490 246 270 9,443 Swiss francs ($ 10,345 2,853 3,125 representing a reduction of equity for own shares (treasury 2,853 ($ 3,125 49 54 20 share capital, are restricted and not available for distribution. In February 2022, the Company announced that a proposal shareholders to distribute 0.82 Subsequent events Subsequent to December 31, 2021, and up to February up share buyback program, an additional 21 735 market, an additional 9 326

Earnings per share

Earnings per share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings per share
Earnings per share	— Note 20 Earnings per share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income by the ‑ average number of shares outstanding during the year. weighted ‑ average number of shares outstanding during the year, securities were exercised, if dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities and outstanding options and shares granted subject to certain conditions ‑ based payment arrangements. In 2020 and 2019, outstanding 79 93 inclusion would have been antidilutive. None Basic earnings per share: ($ in millions, except per share data in $) Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders: Income from continuing operations, net of tax 4,625 294 1,043 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (79) 4,852 396 Net income 4,546 5,146 1,439 Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,001 2,111 2,133 Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders: Income from continuing operations, net of tax 2.31 0.14 0.49 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (0.04) 2.30 0.19 Net income 2.27 2.44 0.67 Diluted earnings per share: ($ in millions, except per share data in $) Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders: Income from continuing operations, net of tax 4,625 294 1,043 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (79) 4,852 396 Net income 4,546 5,146 1,439 Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,001 2,111 2,133 Effect of dilutive securities: Call options and shares 18 8 2 Adjusted weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,019 2,119 2,135 Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders: Income from continuing operations, net of tax 2.29 0.14 0.49 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (0.04) 2.29 0.19 Net income 2.25 2.43 0.67

Other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income	— Note 21 Other comprehensive income The following table includes amounts recorded within related income tax effects: 2021 2020 2019 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 (521) — (521) 500 (2) 498 (130) — (130) Changes attributable to divestments (9) — (9) 519 — 519 (2) — (2) Net change during the year (530) — (530) 1,019 (2) 1,017 (132) — (132) Available-for-sale securities: Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year (13) 3 (10) 31 (7) 24 16 (2) 14 Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income (6) 1 (5) (18) 4 (14) 1 (1) — Changes attributable to divestments — — — (3) — (3) — — — Net change during the year (19) 4 (15) 10 (3) 7 17 (3) 14 Pension and other postretirement plans: Prior service (costs) credits arising during the year 2 (2) — 55 (12) 43 3 3 6 Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the year 437 (26) 411 (243) 43 (200) (293) 73 (220) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net income (14) — (14) (11) — (11) (25) (3) (28) Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income 65 4 69 113 (25) 88 99 (31) 68 Net losses from settlements and curtailments included in net income 7 — 7 650 (132) 518 38 (6) 32 Changes attributable to divestments (8) 2 (6) 186 (35) 151 — — — Net change during the year 489 (22) 467 750 (161) 589 (178) 36 (142) Derivative instruments and hedges: Net gains (losses) arising during the year 7 1 8 2 — 2 20 — 20 Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income (13) — (13) (2) 2 — (9) — (9) Net change during the year (6) 1 (5) — 2 2 11 — 11 Total other comprehensive income (loss) (66) (17) (83) 1,779 (164) 1,615 (282) 33 (249) The following table shows changes in “Accumulated other component, net of tax: Unrealized Pension and Foreign gains (losses) other post- Accumulated currency on available- retirement other translation for-sale plan comprehensive ($ in millions) adjustments securities adjustments loss Balance at January 1, 2019 (3,324) (4) (1,967) (16) (5,311) Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles (1) — — (36) — (36) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (130) 14 (214) 20 (310) Amounts reclassified from OCI (2) — 72 (9) 61 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) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications 498 24 (157) 2 367 Amounts reclassified from OCI 519 (17) 746 — 1,248 Total other comprehensive (loss) income 1,017 7 589 2 1,615 Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests 27 — — — 27 Balance at December 31, 2020 (2,460) 17 (1,556) (3) (4,002) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (521) (10) 411 8 (112) Amounts reclassified from OCI (9) (5) 56 (13) 29 Total other comprehensive (loss) income (530) (15) 467 (5) (83) Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests 4 — — — 4 Balance at December 31, 2021 (2) (2,993) 2 (1,089) (8) (4,088) (1) (2) The following table reflects amounts reclassified out of OCI adjustments and Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments: ($ in millions) Location of (gains) losses Details about OCI components reclassified from OCI 2021 2020 2019 Foreign currency translation adjustments: Changes attributable to divestments: Other income (expense), net (9) — (2) Other income (expense), net — 99 — Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — 420 — Amounts reclassified from OCI (9) 519 (2) Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments: Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Non-operational pension (cost) credit (1) (14) (11) (25) Amortization of net actuarial loss Non-operational pension (cost) credit (1) 65 113 99 Net losses from settlements and curtailments Non-operational pension (cost) credit (1) 7 650 38 Changes attributable to divestments: Other income (expense), net (8) — — Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (2) — 186 — Total before tax 50 938 112 Tax Income tax expense 4 (157) (40) Changes in tax attributable to divestments: Other income (expense), net 2 — — Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (2) — (35) — Amounts reclassified from OCI 56 746 72 (1) 94 6 discontinued (2) The amounts reclassified out of OCI in respect of Unrealized ‑ for ‑ sale securities and Derivative instruments and hedges were not significant

Restructuring and related expen

Restructuring and related expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Restructuring and related expenses
Restructuring and related expenses	— Note 22 Restructuring and related expenses OS program From December 2018 to December 2020, the Company two-year objective of simplifying its business model and structure structure driven by its businesses. The program resulted in the structures within the previous matrix organization, including Committee roles. The operating businesses are now business support functions, while the remaining Group-level corporate strategy, portfolio As of December 31, 2020, the Company has incurred substantially Liabilities associated with the OS program are included shows the activity from the beginning of the program to Contract settlement, Employee loss order ($ in millions) severance 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 Expenses 119 17 136 Cash payments (91) (15) (106) Change in estimates (10) — (10) Exchange rate differences 4 — 4 Liability at December 31, 2020 121 2 123 Expenses, net of change in estimates 2 2 4 Cash payments (65) (3) (68) Exchange rate differences (6) — (6) Liability at December 31, 2021 52 1 53 The following table outlines the costs incurred in 2020 program per operating segment as well as Corporate and Other: Cumulative costs Costs incurred in incurred up to ($ in millions) 2020 2019 December 31, 2020 Electrification 35 18 85 Motion 18 6 25 Process Automation (1) 37 3 61 Robotics & Discrete Automation 10 8 18 Corporate and Other 49 54 114 Total 149 89 303 (1) The Company recorded the following expenses, net of Cumulative costs Costs incurred in incurred up to ($ in millions) 2020 2019 December 31, 2020 Employee severance costs 109 81 255 Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs 17 1 18 Inventory and long-lived asset impairments 23 7 30 Total 149 89 303 Restructuring expenses recorded for this program are included Income Statements: ($ in millions) 2020 2019 Total 38 8 Selling, general and administrative expenses 37 46 Non-order related research and development expenses 4 1 Other income (expense), net 70 34 Total 149 89 Other restructuring-related activities In addition, during 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company executed ‑ related activities and incurred the following charges, net of changes in estimates: ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Employee severance costs 101 164 55 Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs 31 18 37 Inventory and long-lived asset impairments 24 12 22 Total 156 194 114 Expenses associated with these activities are recorded in the following Statements: ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Total 71 95 46 Selling, general and administrative expenses 21 50 4 Non-order related research and development expenses 2 10 — Other income (expense), net 62 39 64 Total 156 194 114 In 2021, the Company initiated a plan to fully exit a product exit activities are expected to be completed by the end between $ 150 200 will be recorded in 2022 as certain required contractual At December 31, 2021 and 2020, $ 212 233 restructuring-related liabilities and is primarily included

Operating segment and geographi

Operating segment and geographic data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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 to and assesses the performance of each operating segment using Company is organized into the following segments, Process Automation and Robotics & Discrete Automation. The remaining included in Corporate and Other. Effective January 1, 2021, the Industrial Automation segment. In addition, the Company changed its method segments whereby these assets are now accounted for utilizes the asset rather than as a cost recharged to the result, while this change had no impact on segment revenues estate assets (including corresponding depreciation and capital Corporate and Other have been allocated to the total segment assets Certain segment information for 2020 and 2019, as well have been recast to reflect this allocation change. A description of the types of products and services provided • Electrification: manufactures and sells electrical products and solutions provide safe, smart and sustainable electrical flow from the of increasingly digital and connected solutions includes renewable power solutions, modular substation packages, switchboard and panelboards, switchgear, sensing devices, control products, wiring accessories, intelligent home and building solutions, designed to integrate ventilation, security and data communication networks. through six operating Divisions: Distribution Solutions, Installation Products and Power Conversion. • Motion: manufactures and sells drives, motors, generators, power transmission products that are driving the low-carbon infrastructure and transportation. These products, digital industrial customers to increase energy efficiency, precise control of their processes. Building on over 130 powertrains, the Business Area combines domain expertise optimum solution for a wide range of applications in all industrial Business Area, along with partners, has a leading global service services are delivered through eight operating Divisions: Large Motors, NEMA Motors, Drive Products, System Drives, Mechanical Power Transmission. • Process Automation: develops and sells a broad range of industry-specific, integrated and electrification and digital systems and solutions, services, process, control technologies, advanced process control software sensing, measurement and analytical instrumentation, turbochargers. In addition, the Business Area offers from repair to advanced services such as remote monitoring, performance management, systems and services are delivered through five operating Industries, Marine & Ports, Turbocharging, • Robotics & Discrete Automation: delivers its products, solutions and services through operating Divisions: Robotics and Machine Automation. Robotics software, robotic solutions and systems, field services, Automation specializes in solutions based on its programmable PCs (IPC), servo motion, transport systems and machine and simulation software as well as a comprehensive range Corporate and Other: includes headquarter costs, the Company’s Treasury Operations, historical operating operating activities. The primary measure of profitability on which the operating which represents income from operations excluding: • • • divestment date (changes in obligations related to divested • pre-acquisition estimates), • held for sale), • • • • (a) unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange, derivatives), (b) realized gains and losses on derivatives transaction has not yet been realized, and (c) unrealized receivables/payables (and related assets/liabilities). Certain other non-operational items generally includes asset write downs/impairments (including impairment well as other items which are determined by management on ‑ by ‑ case basis. The CODM primarily reviews the results of each segment on made on inventory sales between segments. Segment with a total deduction for intersegment profits to arrive Intersegment sales and transfers are accounted for as current market prices. The following tables present disaggregated segment revenues and 2019: 2021 ($ in millions) Electrification Motion Process Automation Robotics & Discrete Automation Corporate and Other Total Geographical markets 4,517 2,015 2,416 1,578 3 10,529 4,465 2,346 1,431 439 5 8,686 of which: United States 3,304 1,952 833 308 — 6,397 3,975 2,111 2,367 1,270 7 9,730 of which: China 2,087 1,156 740 949 — 4,932 12,957 6,472 6,214 3,287 15 28,945 Product type 10,706 5,555 1,496 2,159 4 19,920 1,367 — 1,802 645 11 3,825 884 917 2,916 483 — 5,200 12,957 6,472 6,214 3,287 15 28,945 12,957 6,472 6,214 3,287 15 28,945 230 453 45 10 (738) — Total revenues 13,187 6,925 6,259 3,297 (723) 28,945 2020 ($ in millions) Electrification Motion Process Automation Robotics & Discrete Automation Corporate and Other Total Geographical markets 4,008 1,934 2,322 1,429 15 9,708 4,050 2,173 1,321 385 7 7,936 of which: United States 3,093 1,846 805 270 5 6,019 3,506 1,807 2,038 1,024 7 8,382 of which: China 1,820 926 628 714 3 4,091 11,564 5,914 5,681 2,838 29 26,026 Product type 9,951 5,040 1,263 1,635 53 17,942 743 — 1,665 780 (24) 3,164 870 874 2,753 423 — 4,920 11,564 5,914 5,681 2,838 29 26,026 11,564 5,914 5,681 2,838 29 26,026 (1) 360 495 111 69 (927) 108 Total revenues 11,924 6,409 5,792 2,907 (898) 26,134 2019 ($ in millions) Electrification Motion Process Automation Robotics & Discrete Automation Corporate and Other Total Geographical markets Europe 4,039 1,879 2,416 1,634 36 10,004 The Americas 4,568 2,315 1,582 453 1 8,919 of which: United States 3,522 1,972 948 290 3 6,735 Asia, Middle East and Africa 3,665 1,827 2,153 1,157 40 8,842 of which: China 1,729 876 608 825 1 4,039 12,272 6,021 6,151 3,244 77 27,765 Product type Products 10,315 5,152 1,439 1,785 65 18,756 Systems 958 — 1,648 968 12 3,586 Services and software 999 869 3,064 491 — 5,423 12,272 6,021 6,151 3,244 77 27,765 Third-party revenues 12,272 6,021 6,151 3,244 77 27,765 Intersegment revenues (1) 456 512 122 70 (947) 213 Total revenues 12,728 6,533 6,273 3,314 (870) 27,978 (1) are not eliminated Revenues by geography reflect the location of the customer. China are the only countries where revenue exceeded and 2019 more than 98 Switzerland. The following tables present Operational EBITA, Income from continuing operations before taxes, as well as expenditure for 2021, 2020 and 2019, as well as Total ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Operational EBITA: Electrification 2,121 1,681 1,688 Motion 1,183 1,075 1,082 Process Automation 801 451 732 Robotics & Discrete Automation 355 237 393 Corporate and Other: — Non-core and divested businesses (39) (133) (145) — Stranded corporate costs — (40) (225) — Corporate costs and Other intersegment elimination (299) (372) (418) Total 4,122 2,899 3,107 Acquisition-related amortization (250) (263) (265) Restructuring, related and implementation costs (1) (160) (410) (300) Changes in obligations related to divested businesses (9) (218) (36) Changes in pre-acquisition estimates 6 (11) (22) Gains and losses from sale of businesses 2,193 (2) 55 Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale — (33) (421) Acquisition- (132) (74) (121) Other income/expenses relating to the Power Grids joint venture (34) (20) — Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations: Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange, commodities, embedded derivatives) (54) 67 20 Realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged transaction has not yet been realized (2) 26 8 Unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and 20 (33) (7) Certain other non-operational items: Costs for divestment of Power Grids — (86) (141) Regulatory, compliance and legal costs — (7) (7) Business transformation costs (2) (92) (37) (19) Executive Committee transition costs (3) (1) (14) Favorable resolution of an uncertain purchase price adjustment 6 36 92 Gain on sale of investments — — 15 Certain other fair value changes, including asset impairments (3) 119 (239) (4) Other non-operational items (12) (1) (2) Income from operations 5,718 1,593 1,938 Interest and dividend income 51 51 67 Interest and other finance expense (148) (240) (215) Losses from extinguishment of debt — (162) — Non-operational pension (cost) credit 166 (401) 72 Income from continuing operations before taxes 5,787 841 1,862 (1) 67 97 (2) 80 (3) 311 Depreciation and Total assets (1), (2), (3) amortization (1) Capital expenditures (1), (2) at December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Electrification 425 411 444 345 316 298 12,831 12,800 12,318 Motion 172 182 183 230 118 79 5,936 6,495 6,378 Process Automation 83 80 72 85 75 126 5,009 5,008 4,914 Robotics & Discrete Automation 144 131 129 96 65 62 4,860 4,794 4,784 Corporate and Other 69 111 133 64 120 197 11,624 11,991 17,714 Consolidated 893 915 961 820 694 762 40,260 41,088 46,108 (1) Other, (2) (3) 136 282 9,840 in the Power Corporate 1,609 1,710 Other geographic information Geographic information for long-lived assets was as follows: Long-lived assets at December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Europe 2,670 2,822 The Americas 1,260 1,382 Asia, Middle East and Africa 1,009 940 Total 4,939 5,144 Long ‑ lived assets represent “Property, and are shown by location of the assets. At December 31, 19 12 11 ‑ lived assets were located in the United States, respectively. At December 21 10 11 long ‑ lived assets were located in the United States, China and Switzerland,

Significant accounting polici_2

Significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Significant accounting policies
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared States or U.S.) generally accepted accounting principles dollars ($ or USD) unless otherwise stated. Due to rounding, provided. The par value of capital stock is denominated
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain amounts reported for prior years in the Consolidated Notes have been reclassified to conform to the current the reallocation of certain real estate assets, previously operating segments which utilize the assets.
Scope of consolidation	Scope of consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts indirectly controlled by ABB Ltd. Additionally, determined that it is the primary beneficiary. Investments in joint ventures and affiliated companies significant influence over operating and financial policies (generally 20 50 the equity method of accounting.
Translation of foreign currencies and foreign exchange transactions	Translation of foreign currencies The functional currency for most of the Company’s translation from the applicable functional currencies into balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect accounts using average exchange rates prevailing during the year. excluded from the determination of earnings and are recognized until the subsidiary is sold, substantially liquidated or evaluated Foreign currency exchange gains and losses, such as receivables or payables, are included in the determination loans that are equity ‑ like in nature with no reasonable expectation of repayment, “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”. Exchange gains and “Total finance expense” consistent with the nature of the underlying
Discontinued operations	Discontinued operations The Company reports a disposal, or planned disposal, discontinued operation if the disposal represents a strategic Company’s operations and financial results. area, a major line of business or other major parts of the segment or an operating segment, a reporting unit, The assets and liabilities of a component reported as a held for sale and in discontinued operations in the Company’s Interest expense that is not directly attributable to or related discontinued business is allocated to discontinued operations debt that is required to be paid as a result of the planned the Company plus consolidated debt. General corporate (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 Company elected to use the duration of the individual contracts accounts receivable, inventories and provisions related to these one year that have been classified as current.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with assumptions and estimates that directly affect Statements and the accompanying Notes. These accounting • ‑ lived assets and in testing goodwill for impairment, • unrecognized tax benefits, • • interest and certain obligations in connection with divestments, • in business combinations, • operations, • and inquiries, environmental damages, product warranties, self ‑ insurance reserves, regulatory and other proceedings, • programs, • such as trade and other receivables, loans and other instruments, • pension plan assets, and • ‑ related overhead costs, used in determining the percentage ‑ of ‑ completion on projects where revenue is recognized over time, be entitled to. The actual results and outcomes may differ from
Cash and equivalents	Cash and equivalents Cash and equivalents include highly liquid investments with acquisition. Currency and other local regulatory limitations related to the where the Company operates. Funds, other than regular readily transferred abroad from these countries and are therefore needs locally. These Cash and equivalents that are subject to contractual restrictions available are classified as “Restricted cash”.
Marketable securities and short-term investments	Marketable securities and short ‑ term investments Management determines the appropriate classification ‑ to ‑ maturity and available ‑ for ‑ sale debt securities at the time of purchase. Debt securities are ‑ to ‑ maturity when the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. ‑ to ‑ maturity debt securities are carried at amortized cost, adjusted for accretion of discounts or amortization the effective interest method. Such accretion or 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 stockholders’ equity, ‑ for ‑ sale debt securities are computed based upon the historical cost of these Marketable debt securities are classified as either “Cash short ‑ term investments” according to their maturity at the time of acquisition. Marketable equity securities are generally classified as ‑ term investments”, however, any marketable securities ‑ term investment rather than as an investment of excess liquidity are classified as “Other non ‑ current assets”. Equity securities are measured at value changes reported in net income. Fair value changes for “Interest and other finance expense”, however, long-term investments are reported in “Other income (expense) For debt securities classified as available-for-sale where credit losses, the Company records an allowance for expected subsequent periods in “Interest and other finance expense”. credit risk are reported in “Accumulated other comprehensive In addition, equity securities without readily determinable price change in an orderly transaction for the same investment, the investment is impaired and the fair value of the investment other fair value changes as described above, depending change is either recorded in “Other income (expense), net”
Accounts receivable and allowance for expected credit losses	Accounts receivable and allowance for expected credit Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount. ‑ wide policy on the management of credit risk. The policy includes a credit assessment creditworthiness of customers and assign to those customers ‑ party agencies’ ratings are considered, if available. For customers where agency recent financial statements, payment history and other relevant to a risk category. Customers significant changes in the customer’s financial position risk category, a credit The Company recognizes an allowance for credit losses be collected at the balance sheet date. The allowance the asset’s contractual term taking into account forward looking estimates. The Company’s accounts which generally has a geographic concentration of receivables, entities. Receivables are then further subdivided within characteristics to estimate expected credit losses. Expected credit related assets do not share similar risk characteristics. Accounts receivable are written off when deemed allowance for credit losses. Expected recoveries, which are considered in determining the allowance balance at the The Company, in its recourse. The transfer is accounted for as a sale when the Company receivables. Control is deemed to have been surrendered presumptively beyond the reach of the Company and its (ii) the third ‑ party transferees have the right to pledge or exchange the Company has relinquished effective control over obligation to repurchase or redeem the transferred receivables. removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. including the related gains and losses from the sales, are included Transfers of receivables that do not secured borrowings and the related cash flows are classified Statements of Cash Flows.
Concentrations of credit risk	Concentrations of credit risk The Company sells a broad range of products, systems, commercial and utility customers as well as various government ‑ governmental agencies throughout the world. Concentrations of credit risk with Company’s customer base is comprised of a evaluations of customers’ financial positions are performed to instruments such as guarantees, letters of credit or credit required. The Company maintains an allowance for credit and allowance for expected credit losses”. Such losses, expectations. It is the Company’s policy to invest cash in deposits credit ratings and in high quality, by routinely reviewing the creditworthiness of the banks incurred significant credit losses related to such investments. The Company’s exposure to credit risk on derivative fail to meet its obligations. To and periodic review of credit limits for individual counterparties. close ‑ out netting agreements with most derivative counterparties. Close ‑ out netting agreements provide for the termination, valuation and net settlement of some counterparties on the occurrence of one or more pre ‑ defined trigger events. Derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis in the Consolidated Financial
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition A customer contract exists if collectability under the contract commercial substance, contains payment terms, as well has been approved. The Company offers arrangements with multiple performance These arrangements may involve the delivery of multiple installation and training) and the delivery and/or performance different periods of time. Goods and services under they form distinct performance obligations and should The Company allocates the sales price to each distinct item sold in separate transactions at the inception of the arrangement. The Company generally recognizes revenues for the sale ‑ customized products including circuit breakers, modular substation packages, control products, measurement and analytical instrumentation, and other goods basis at a point in time. Revenues are recognized at the point goods, which is when it has taken title to the products products specified in the purchase order or sales agreement. rewards of ownership are governed by the contractually International Commercial Terms products to third party customers, such as Ex Works (DDP). Billing terms for these point in time contracts vary but generally Payment is generally due upon receipt of the invoice, payable The Company generally recognizes revenues for the sale automation and electrification systems and solutions, on an percentage ‑ of ‑ completion method of accounting. These systems performance obligation as the Company is required to integrate for the customer. Revenues integration process and as control is transferred to the customer payment for work performed or by the customer’s ownership of the uses the cost ‑ to ‑ cost method to measure progress towards completion progress of contracts is measured by actual costs incurred costs based on the Company’s history of manufacturing Estimated costs are reviewed and updated routinely for pricing of the inputs. The cumulative effect of any change change in estimate is determined. Contract costs include all indirect costs related to contract performance, such as The nature of the Company’s contracts for the sale of variable consideration, including claims, unpriced change amounts are estimated based upon the most likely amount of consideration Company will be entitled. The estimated amounts are included that a significant reversal of cumulative revenues recognized with the variable consideration is resolved. All estimates periodically. Back charges determined that recovery of such cost is probable and the amounts Billing terms for these over ‑ time contracts vary but are generally based on achieving specified The differences between the timing of revenues recognized contract assets and contract liabilities. Payment is generally 90 days or less. Contractual retention amounts billed to customers contractual warranty period. Service revenues reflect revenues earned from the Company’s primarily subsequent to the sale and delivery of a product maintenance type contracts, repair services, equipment personnel and accompanying spare parts, training, and installation stand-alone service or as part of a service contract. The service transactions as services are performed or at the spare parts. For long-term service contracts including recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the of the services or, if the performance costs incurred relative to total expected costs. In limited circumstances the Company sells extended warranties the standard coverage offered on specific products. length of the warranty period based on their stand ‑ alone selling price. Billing terms for service contracts vary but are generally Payment is generally due upon receipt of the invoice, payable Revenues are reported net of customer rebates, early are estimated based on sales terms, historical experience relate to amounts paid or credited to customers for achieving defined Taxes between the Company and its customers, such as sales, use, excluded from revenues. The Company does not adjust the contract price for the expects, at contract inception, that the time between contro Sales commissions are expensed immediately when the amortization contract is less than a year.
Contract loss provisions	Contract loss provisions Losses on contracts are recognized in the period when they 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
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable ‑ in, first ‑ out method, the weighted ‑ average cost method, or the specific identification method. are stated at acquisition cost or actual production cost, including manufacturing overheads. Adjustments to reduce the cost required, for decreases in sales prices, obsolescence or similar
Impairment of long-lived assets	Impairment of long ‑ lived assets Long ‑ lived assets that are held and used are evaluated for impairment groups when events or circumstances indicate that the may not be recoverable. If the asset group’s net cash flows expected to be generated over its remaining useful disposition of the asset group, value. The estimated fair value is determined using a market,
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant Property, plant and straight ‑ line method. The estimated useful lives of the assets • 30 40 • 15 • 3 15 • 3 8 • over the lease term, if shorter.
Goodwill and intangible assets	Goodwill and intangible assets Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually as of October 1, indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at the reporting unit level. one level below an operating segment. For the annual respectively, the reporting When evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company method for each reporting unit. The qualitative assessment involves qualitative factors, if it is more likely than not that the fair value value. If, based on this qualitative assessment, it is determined unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, a quantitative further analysis is required. If the Company elects not to unit, then a quantitative impairment test is performed. When performing a quantitative impairment test, the Company using an income approach based on the present value of future represents the reporting unit’s weighted-average cost carrying value. If the carrying value of the net assets of a reporting unit then the Company records an impairment charge equal to the recognized does not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated The cost of acquired intangible assets with a finite life is reflects the pattern of intangible assets’ expected contributions reliably determined, the straight ‑ line method is used. The amortization periods range from 3 5 software and from 5 20 ‑ , technology ‑ ‑ related intangibles. Intangible assets with a finite life are tested for impairment upon the occurrence
Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities	Derivative financial instruments The Company uses derivative financial instruments to exposures, arising from its global operating, financing The Company recognizes all derivatives, other than certain at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Derivatives are reported at fair value with derivative gains and losses with the nature of the underlying transaction. If the derivatives are designated as a hedge, depending on of the derivatives will either be offset against risk being hedged through earnings (in the case of a fair value comprehensive loss” until the hedged item is recognized Where derivative financial instruments have been designated and such forecasted transactions are no longer probable of any derivative gain or loss previously included in “Accumulated earnings consistent with the nature of the original forecasted designated as hedging instruments in a fair value hedge consistent with the nature of the underlying hedged transaction. Certain commercial contracts may grant rights to the Company provisions that are considered to be derivatives. Such embedded contract and depending on their characteristics, accounted at their fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consistent with the nature of the commercial contract to Derivatives are classified in the Consolidated Statements underlying item. Cash flows from the settlement of undesignated different underlying items on a net basis are classified the underlying items are primarily operational in nature. Other recorded within “Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities”.
Leases	Leases The Company leases primarily real estate, vehicles and machinery The Company evaluates if a contract contains a lease lease if it conveys the right to control the use of identified property, for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To throughout the period of use, it has both the right to obtain use of the identified asset and the right to direct the use finance or operating, with the classification determining Consolidated Income Statements. Lease expense for over the lease term. Lease expense for finance leases assets and lease interest expense. In many cases, the Company’s leases include one extend up to 5 years. The exercise of lease renewal are included in the expected lease term if they are reasonably Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased agreements contain material residual value guarantees Long-term leases (leases with terms greater than 12 months) Sheets at the commencement date of the lease based on the present The present value of the lease payments is determined available. As most of the Company’s leases do not borrowing rate is used for most leases and is determined for portfolios lease term, currency of the lease, and the internal credit rating Short-term leases (leases with an initial lease term of that the property will not be leased for a term greater than Balance Sheets and are expensed on a straight-line basis leases relate to real estate and machinery. Assets under operating lease are included in “Operating lease right-of are reported both as current and non-current operating lease Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the make lease payments arising from the lease. Assets under finance lease are included in “Property, are included in “Long-term debt” (including “Current maturities Lease and non-lease components for leases other than real
Income taxes	Income taxes The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect records a deferred tax asset when it determines that it is sustained based upon the deduction’s technical against each other are reported on a net basis. A valuation assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Deferred taxes are provided on unredeemed retained deferred taxes are not provided on such unredeemed retained earnings are permanently reinvested. Such earnings may become these subsidiaries or upon the remittance of dividends. The Company operates in numerous tax jurisdictions authorities. The Company provides for tax contingencies tax asset has been impaired or a tax liability has been on the technical merits of the Company’s filing position, for Economic Co ‑ operation and Development (OECD) guidelines and are facts and circumstances as of the end of each reporting period. The Company applies a two ‑ step approach to recognize and measure uncertainty step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained appeals or litigation processes, if any. which is more than 50 percent likely of being realized could be settled against existing loss carryforwards or income tax Expenses related to tax penalties are classified in the expense” while interest thereon is classified as “Interest and relating to certain items is recognized directly in “Accumulated earnings. In general, the Company applies the individual items from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”.
Research and development	Research and development Research and development costs not related to specific
Earnings per share	Earnings per share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing income by the ‑ average number of shares outstanding during the year. weighted ‑ average number of shares outstanding during the year, securities were exercised, if dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities outstanding options and shares granted subject to certain conditions ‑ based payment arrangements. See further discussion related 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 fully in Note 18. Such arrangements are accounted for equity ‑ settled, total compensation is measured at grant date, based date, and recorded in earnings over the period the employees are cash ‑ settled, compensation is initially measured at grant date reporting period, based on the fair value and vesting percentage changes in the liability recorded in earnings.
Fair value measures	Fair value measures The Company uses fair value measurement principles recurring basis and, when necessary, ‑ financial assets at fair value on a non ‑ recurring basis, as well as to determine fair value disclosures for certain in the financial statements. Financial assets and liabilities foreign currency, commodity ‑ settled call options and available ‑ for ‑ sale 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 Fair value is the price that would be received when selling an transaction between market participants at the measurement uses various valuation techniques including the market or similar assets and liabilities), the income approach (discounted (using costs a market participant would incur to develop fair value of assets and liabilities are defined by a three ‑ level hierarchy, depending inputs. The Company has categorized its financial assets and liabilities ‑ financial assets measured at fair value within this hierarchy based on whether the inputs unobservable. An observable input is based on market unobservable input reflects the Company’s assumptions The levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows: Level 1: liabilities (observable quoted prices). Assets and liabilities include exchange ‑ traded equity securities, listed derivatives which are actively such as commodity futures, interest rate futures and certain securities. Level 2: quoted prices for similar assets, quoted prices in inactive quoted prices such as interest rate yield curves, credit spreads, other observable data by interpolation, correlation, regression or adjustments applied to quoted prices or the inputs used in valuation observable and unobservable. In these cases, the fair value Level 2 unless the unobservable portion of the adjustment or the the valuation model is significant, in which case the fair classified as Level 3. Assets and liabilities valued or disclosed investments in certain funds, certain debt securities that are rate swaps, cross-currency interest rate swaps, commodity ‑ settled call options, forward foreign exchange contracts, foreign exchange swaps agreements, time deposits, as well as financing receivables Level 3: (unobservable input). Investments in private equity, generally valued using the net asset value (NAV) certain criteria are met. The NAVs the funds. These assets are not classified in the fair value Whenever quoted prices involve bid ‑ ask spreads, the Company ordinarily determines fair values mid ‑ market quotes. However, ‑ settled call options serving as hedges of the Company’s management When determining fair values based on quoted prices in an active of transaction activity for the financial instrument has significantly orderly. In such cases, considered disorderly or if quoted prices are not available, technique, such as an income approach. Disclosures about the Company’s fair value
Contingencies	Contingencies The Company is subject to proceedings, litigation or threatened related to environmental, labor, required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes ranges of probable losses. A determination of the provision after analysis of each individual issue, often with assistance technical experts. The required amount of a provision for a contingency due to new developments in the particular matter, The Company records a provision for its contingent obligations and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Any such provision undiscounted basis using the Company’s best estimate an estimated range when a single best estimate is not determinable. able to recover a portion of the costs relating to these obligations however, the Company records The Company generally provides for anticipated costs Warranty costs include calculated costs arising the Company’s products. The Company makes order ‑ specific conditions or guarantees and assessments sold in larger quantities. The Company may have legal obligations to perform environmental ‑ up activities related to land and buildings as a result of the normal operations of its business. settlement, or both, are conditional upon a future event Company, but the underlying provision for these obligations when it is probable that ‑ up activity has been incurred and a reasonable estimate of its fair value can be made. In some incurred to settle these matters may be recoverable. An asset amounts are recoverable. Provisions for environmental obligations 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 plans, termination indemnity plans. The Company recognizes an asset liability for such a plan’s underfunded status measures such a plan’s assets and obligations recognizes the changes in the funded status in the year reported in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”. The Company uses actuarial valuations to determine its The amounts calculated depend on a variety of key assumptions, return on plan assets. Current market conditions are considered The Company’s various pension plan assets are assigned in accordance with the valuation principles described in the See Note 17 for further discussion of the Company’s
Business combinations	Business combinations The Company accounts for assets acquired and liabilities acquisition method and records these at their respective fair value as an element of purchase price with subsequent Identifiable intangibles consist of intellectual property relationships, patented and unpatented technology, ‑ process research and development, order backlog and capitalized software; these are amortized over their estimated subject to evaluation for potential impairment if events or circumstances be recoverable. See “Goodwill and intangible assets” above. ‑ related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition and expensed as incurred. Upon equity method or cost basis investment was held by the Company, adjusted to fair value with the related gain or loss recorded Deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary base of assets and liabilities as well as uncertain tax positions tax assets assumed in connection with a business combination date based on facts and circumstances that existed at change within the measurement period (a period of up the acquirer may adjust the provisional acquisition amounts) with estimates being recorded to goodwill. Changes in deferred allowances on acquired deferred tax assets that occur income.
New accounting pronouncements	New accounting pronouncements Applicable for current period Applicable for future periods Facilitation of the effects of reference rate reform on In March 2020, an accounting standard update was issued which exceptions to the current guidance on contract modifications reporting burdens related to the expected market transition and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference in a subsequent update issued in January 2021, can be 2022, with early adoption permitted. The Company does on its Consolidated Financial Statements. Business Combinations — Accounting for contract assets customers In October 2021, an accounting standard update was issued revenue contracts acquired in a business combination. acquired in a business combination to be recognized and with the principles for recognizing revenues from contracts prospectively for the Company for annual and interim reporting adoption permitted in any interim period. The Company impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. Disclosures about government assistance In November 2021, an accounting standard update was issued which types of government assistance. Under the update, the Company of the assistance received, including any significant terms and (iii) the effect such transactions have on its financial prospectively for all in-scope transactions at the date of adoption beginning January 1, 2022, with early adoption permitted. The as of January 1, 2022. The Company does not expect Consolidated Financial Statements.

Discontinued operations (Tables

Discontinued operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating results of discontinued operations	($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Total — 4,008 9,037 Total — (3,058) (6,983) Gross profit — 950 2,054 Expenses (18) (808) (1,394) Change to net gain recognized on sale of the Power Grids business (65) 5,141 — Income (loss) from operations (83) 5,282 660 Net interest income (expense) and other finance expense 2 (5) (61) Non-operational pension (cost) credit — (94) 5 Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes (81) 5,182 605 Income tax 1 (322) (167) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (80) 4,860 438
Discontinued operations, held for sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Schedule of changes affecting operating segments	December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) (1) (1) Receivables, net 131 280 Inventories, net — 1 Other current assets 5 1 Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations 136 282 Accounts payable, trade 71 188 Other liabilities 310 456 Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations 381 644 Other non-current liabilities 43 197 Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations 43 197 (1) other obligations

Acquisitions, divestments and_2

Acquisitions, divestments and equity-accounted companies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Acquisitions, divestments and equity-accounted companies [Abstract]
Acquisitions	($ in millions, except number of acquired businesses) 2021 2020 2019 Purchase price for acquisitions (net of cash acquired) 212 79 — Aggregate excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired (1) 161 92 92 Number of acquired businesses 2 3 — (1) 92 primarily
Acquisition in noncontrolling interest	Weighted-average ($ in millions) Allocated amounts useful life Inventories 169 5 months Order backlog 727 2 years Property, plant and equipment (1) 1,016 Intangible assets (2) 1,731 9 years Other contractual rights 251 2 years Other assets 43 Deferred tax liabilities (942) Goodwill 6,026 Less: Amount attributed to noncontrolling interest (451) Basis difference 8,570 (1) Property, 686 weighted-average 14 years . (2) Intangible
Summary of investments in equity-accounted companies	Ownership as of Carrying value at December 31, ($ in millions, except ownership share in %) December 31, 2021 2021 2020 Hitachi Energy Ltd 19.9% 1,609 1,710 Others 61 74 Total 1,670 1,784 ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Income from equity-accounted companies, net of taxes 38 29 8 Basis difference amortization (net of deferred income tax benefit) (138) (95) — Income (loss) from equity-accounted companies (100) (66) 8

Cash and equivalents, marketa_2

Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments	Marketable securities Gross Gross and unrealized unrealized Cash and short-term December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Cost basis gains losses Fair value equivalents investments Changes in fair value recorded in net income Cash 2,752 2,752 2,752 Time deposits 2,037 2,037 1,737 300 Equity securities 569 18 587 587 5,358 18 — 5,376 4,489 887 Changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income Debt securities available-for-sale: —U.S. government obligations 203 7 (1) 209 209 —Corporate 74 1 (1) 74 74 277 8 (2) 283 — 283 Total 5,635 26 (2) 5,659 4,489 1,170 Of which: —Restricted cash, current 30 —Restricted cash, non-current 300 Marketable securities Gross Gross and unrealized unrealized Cash and short-term December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Cost basis gains losses Fair value equivalents investments Changes in fair value recorded in net income Cash 2,388 2,388 2,388 Time deposits 1,513 1,513 1,513 Equity securities 1,704 12 1,716 1,716 5,605 12 — 5,617 3,901 1,716 Changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income Debt securities available-for-sale: —U.S. government obligations 274 19 293 293 —European government obligations 24 24 24 —Corporate 69 6 75 75 367 25 — 392 — 392 Total 5,972 37 — 6,009 3,901 2,108 Of which: —Restricted cash, current 323 —Restricted cash, non-current 300
Contractual maturities of debt securities classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity	Available-for-sale December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Cost basis Fair value Less than one year 1 1 One to five years 178 181 Six to ten years 92 94 Due after ten years 6 7 Total 277 283

Derivative financial instrume_2

Derivative financial instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Derivative financial instruments
Notional amount of outstanding derivatives	Type of derivative Total notional amounts at December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Foreign exchange contracts 11,276 12,610 15,015 Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 815 1,134 924 Cross-currency interest rate swaps 906 — — Interest rate contracts 3,541 3,227 5,188 Total notional amounts at December 31, Type of derivative Unit 2021 2020 2019 Copper swaps metric tonnes 36,017 39,390 42,494 Silver swaps ounces 2,842,533 1,966,677 2,508,770 Aluminum swaps metric tonnes 7,125 8,112 8,388
Gain (loss) on fair value hedges	($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Gains (losses) recognized in Interest and other finance expense: Interest rate contracts Designated as fair value hedges (55) 11 38 Hedged item 56 (11) (38) Cross-currency Designated as fair value hedges (37) — — interest rate swaps Hedged item 34 — —
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 2021 2020 2019 Foreign exchange contracts Total 3 94 (7) Total (53) — (64) SG&A expenses (1) 11 (11) 2 Non-order related research and development (2) (2) 1 Interest and other finance expense (173) 207 (122) Embedded foreign exchange contracts Total (7) (34) 17 Total (2) (1) (6) Commodity contracts Total 78 56 12 Other Interest and other finance expense — 1 — Total (145) 310 (167) (1)
Fair value of derivatives	Derivative assets Derivative liabilities Current in Non-current Current in Non-current “Other in “Other “Other in “Other current non-current current non-current December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) assets” assets” liabilities” liabilities” Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts — — 3 5 Interest rate contracts 9 20 — — Cross-currency interest rate swaps — — — 109 Cash-settled call options 29 — — — Total 38 20 3 114 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 108 14 107 7 Commodity contracts 19 — 5 — Interest rate contracts 1 — 2 — Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 10 7 16 10 Total 138 21 130 17 Total fair value 176 41 133 131 Derivative assets Derivative liabilities Current in Non-current Current in Non-current “Other in “Other “Other in “Other current non-current current non-current December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) assets” assets” liabilities” liabilities” Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts — 1 2 4 Interest rate contracts 6 78 — — Cash-settled call options 10 11 — — Total 16 90 2 4 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 221 22 106 26 Commodity contracts 59 — 7 — Interest rate contracts 2 — 2 — Embedded foreign exchange derivatives 10 2 28 16 Total 292 24 143 42 Total fair value 308 114 145 46
Offsetting arrangements	December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Gross amount of Derivative liabilities Cash Non-cash Type of agreement or recognized eligible for set-off in collateral collateral Net asset similar arrangement assets case of default received received exposure Derivatives 200 (104) — — 96 Total 200 (104) — — 96 December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Gross amount of Derivative liabilities Cash Non-cash Type of agreement or recognized eligible for set-off in collateral collateral Net liability similar arrangement liabilities case of default pledged pledged exposure Derivatives 238 (104) — — 134 Total 238 (104) — — 134 December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Gross amount of Derivative liabilities Cash Non-cash Type of agreement or recognized eligible for set-off in collateral Net asset similar arrangement assets case of default received received exposure Derivatives 410 (106) — — 304 Total 410 (106) — — 304 December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Gross amount of Derivative liabilities Cash Non-cash Type of agreement or recognized eligible for set-off in collateral Net liability similar arrangement liabilities case of default pledged pledged exposure Derivatives 147 (106) — — 41 Total 147 (106) — — 41

Fair values (Tables)

Fair values (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Fair values
Fair value of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	Total December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 fair value Assets Securities in “Marketable securities and short-term investments”: Equity securities 587 587 Debt securities—U.S. government obligations 209 209 Debt securities—Corporate 74 74 Derivative assets—current in “Other current assets” 176 176 Derivative assets—non-current in “Other non-current assets” 41 41 Total 209 878 — 1,087 Liabilities Derivative liabilities—current in “Other current liabilities” 133 133 Derivative liabilities—non-current in “Other non-current liabilities” 131 131 Total — 264 — 264 Total December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 fair value Assets Securities in “Marketable securities and short-term investments”: Equity securities 1,716 1,716 Debt securities—U.S. government obligations 293 293 Debt securities—Other government obligations 24 24 Debt securities—Corporate 75 75 Derivative assets—current in “Other current assets” 308 308 Derivative assets—non-current in “Other non-current assets” 114 114 Total 317 2,213 — 2,530 Liabilities Derivative liabilities—current in “Other current liabilities” 145 145 Derivative liabilities—non-current in “Other non-current liabilities” 46 46 Total — 191 — 191
Schedule of fair values of financial instruments carried on a cost basis	Carrying Total December 31, 2021 ($ 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 2,422 2,422 2,422 Time deposits 1,737 1,737 1,737 Restricted cash 30 30 30 Marketable securities and short-term investments (excluding securities): Time deposits 300 300 300 Restricted cash, non-current 300 300 300 Liabilities Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 1,357 1,288 69 1,357 Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 4,043 4,234 58 4,292 Carrying Total December 31, 2020 ($ 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 1,765 1,765 1,765 Time deposits 1,513 1,513 1,513 Restricted cash 323 323 323 Restricted cash, non-current 300 300 300 Liabilities Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 1,266 497 769 1,266 Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations) 4,668 4,909 89 4,998

Receivables, net and Contract_2

Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities
Receivables, net	December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Trade receivables 6,206 6,417 Other receivables 684 760 Allowance (339) (357) Total 6,551 6,820
Reconciliation of changes in allowance for doubtful accounts	($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Balance at January 1, 357 228 219 Transition adjustment — 56 — Current-period provision for expected credit losses 33 115 31 Write-offs charged against the allowance (37) (42) (19) Exchange rate differences (14) — (3) Balance at December 31, 339 357 228
Information about contract assets and contract liabilities	($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Contract assets 990 985 1,025 Contract liabilities 1,894 1,903 1,719
Significant changes in contract assets and contract liabilities	2021 2020 Contract Contract Contract Contract ($ in millions) assets liabilities assets liabilities Revenue recognized, which was included in the Contract liabilities balance at January 1, 2021/2020 (1,086) (1,011) Additions to Contract liabilities - excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 1,136 1,129 Receivables recognized that were included in the Contract assets balance at January 1, 2021/2020 (566) (680)

Inventories, net (Tables)

Inventories, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Inventories, net
Inventories, net	December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Raw materials 2,136 1,785 Work in process 995 1,020 Finished goods 1,594 1,499 Advances to suppliers 155 165 Total 4,880 4,469

Property, plant and equipment_2

Property, plant and equipment, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, net	December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Land and buildings 3,925 3,889 Machinery and equipment 5,785 6,144 Construction in progress 522 505 10,232 10,538 Accumulated depreciation (6,187) (6,364) Total 4,045 4,174
Schedule of assets under finance lease included in property, plant and equipment, net	December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Land and buildings 164 169 Machinery and equipment 92 79 256 248 Accumulated depreciation (123) (111) Total 133 137

Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill and intangible assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and intangible assets
Changes in Goodwill	Robotics & Process Discrete Corporate ($ in millions) Electrification Motion Automation Automation and Other Total Balance at January 1, 2020 4,372 2,436 1,615 2,381 21 10,825 Goodwill acquired during the year 71 — — 21 — 92 Impairment of Goodwill — — — (290) (21) (311) Exchange rate differences and other 84 20 24 116 — 244 Balance at December 31, 2020 (1) 4,527 2,456 1,639 2,228 — 10,850 Goodwill acquired during the year 11 — — 150 — 161 Goodwill allocated to disposals — (338) (7) — — (345) Exchange rate differences and other (66) (1) (19) (98) — (184) Balance at December 31, 2021 (1) 4,472 2,117 1,613 2,280 — 10,482 (1) 10,760 11,152 impairment 278 302
Intangible assets other than goodwill	2021 2020 Gross Accumu- Net Gross Accumu- Net carrying lated amort- carrying carrying lated amort- carrying December 31, ($ in millions) amount ization amount amount ization amount Capitalized software for internal use 835 (732) 103 828 (694) 134 Capitalized software for sale 31 (29) 2 33 (32) 1 Intangibles other than software: Customer-related 1,716 (707) 1,009 2,557 (1,104) 1,453 Technology 1,122 (868) 254 1,170 (898) 272 Marketing-related 493 (327) 166 492 (304) 188 Other 56 (29) 27 63 (33) 30 Total 4,253 (2,692) 1,561 5,143 (3,065) 2,078
Amortization expense of intangible assets other than goodwill	($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Capitalized software for internal use 66 61 74 Intangibles other than software 252 268 271 Total 318 329 345
Future amortization expense of intangible assets other than goodwill	($ in millions) 2022 276 2023 249 2024 199 2025 155 2026 142 Thereafter 540 Total 1,561

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt
Schedule of short-term debt	December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Short-term debt (weighted-average interest rate of 3.2 % and 2.8 %, respectively) 78 153 Current maturities of long-term debt (weighted-average nominal interest rate of 2.8 % and 3.2 %, respectively) 1,306 1,140 Total 1,384 1,293
Schedule of long-term debt	2021 2020 December 31, Nominal Effective Nominal Effective ($ in millions, except % data) Balance rate rate Balance rate rate Floating rate 3,598 1.2 % 0.3 % 3,330 1.6 % 0.2 % Fixed rate 1,885 3.0 % 3.1 % 2,638 3.2 % 3.3 % 5,483 5,968 Current portion of long-term debt (1,306) 2.8 % 1.0 % (1,140) 3.2 % 2.6 % Total 4,177 4,828
Schedule of principal amounts of long-term debt repayable at maturity	($ in millions) 2022 1,271 2023 794 2024 1,156 2025 56 2026 — Thereafter 2,085 Total 5,362
Schedule of outstanding bonds	2021 2020 December 31, (in millions) Nominal Carrying Nominal Carrying outstanding value (1) outstanding value (1) Bonds: 4.0 % USD Notes, due 2021 — USD 650 $ 649 2.25 % CHF Bonds, due 2021 — CHF 350 $ 403 2.875 % USD Notes, due 2022 USD 1,250 $ 1,258 USD 1,250 $ 1,280 0.625 % EUR Instruments, due 2023 EUR 700 $ 800 EUR 700 $ 875 0.75 % EUR Instruments, due 2024 EUR 750 $ 860 EUR 750 $ 946 0.3 % CHF Bonds, due 2024 CHF 280 $ 306 CHF 280 $ 317 3.8 % USD Notes, due 2028 (2) USD 383 $ 381 USD 383 $ 381 1.0 % CHF Bonds, due 2029 CHF 170 $ 186 CHF 170 $ 192 0 % EUR Notes, due 2030 EUR 800 $ 862 — 4.375 % USD Notes, due 2042 (2) USD 609 $ 589 USD 609 $ 589 Total $ 5,242 $ 5,632 (1) accounting, (2) 3.8 % USD Notes, the 4.375 % USD Notes, 750

Other provisions, other curre_2

Other provisions, other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Other provisions, other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities
Schedule of Other provisions	December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Contract-related provisions 762 754 Restructuring and restructuring-related provisions 188 292 Provision for insurance-related reserves 174 176 Provisions for contractual penalties and compliance and litigation matters 63 113 Other 199 184 Total 1,386 1,519
Schedule of Other current liabilities	December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Employee-related liabilities 1,547 1,467 Accrued expenses 768 650 Non-trade payables 644 622 Income taxes payable 378 395 Accrued customer rebates 322 317 Other tax liabilities 298 286 Derivative liabilities (see Note 6) 133 145 Deferred income 95 130 Pension and other employee benefits 41 42 Accrued interest 28 29 Other 113 98 Total 4,367 4,181
Schedule of Other non-current liabilities	December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Income tax related liabilities 1,458 1,423 Derivative liabilities (see Note 6) 130 46 Provisions for contractual penalties and compliance and litigation matters 129 120 Deferred income 74 138 Employee-related liabilities 59 70 Environmental provisions 39 38 Other 227 190 Total 2,116 2,025

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Leases
Components of lease expense	Machinery Land and buildings and equipment Total ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Operating lease cost 240 287 268 73 89 101 313 376 369 Finance lease cost 17 13 14 20 16 22 37 29 36 Short-term lease cost 26 17 19 14 31 29 40 48 48 Sub-lease income (24) (20) (2) (1) (1) — (25) (21) (2) Total lease expense 259 297 299 106 135 152 365 432 451
Summary of additional lease expense	Machinery Land and buildings and equipment Total ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Operating leases: Cash paid under operating cash flows 223 263 252 68 83 96 291 346 348 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new liabilities 267 266 153 86 57 52 353 323 205
Future net minimum lease payments for capital leases and the present value of the net minimum lease payments	Operating Leases Finance Leases Land and Machinery Land and Machinery ($ in millions) buildings and equipment buildings and equipment 2022 197 71 21 15 2023 164 39 21 12 2024 134 21 19 8 2025 109 9 18 5 2026 81 1 16 1 Thereafter 154 1 54 — Total minimum lease payments 839 142 149 41 Difference between undiscounted cash flows (59) (3) (28) (1) Present value of minimum lease payments 780 139 121 40
Lease terms and discount rates	Land and Machinery buildings and equipment 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Operating Leases: Weighted-average remaining term (months) 73 84 78 30 29 29 Weighted-average discount rate 2.6% 3.0% 3.0% 1.9% 2.0% 2.2% Finance Leases: Weighted-average remaining term (months) 100 107 110 40 40 33 Weighted-average discount rate 7.7% 7.7% 8.2% 1.8% 2.3% 2.8%

Commitments and contingencies (

Commitments and contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments and contingencies
Best estimate of future payments for guarantee obligations	Maximum potential payments (1) December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Performance guarantees 4,540 6,726 Financial guarantees 52 339 Indemnification guarantees (2) 136 177 Total 4,728 7,242 (1) Maximum potential payments include amounts in both continuing (2) Certain indemnifications provided to Hitachi in connection with
Provisions for warranties	($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Balance at January 1, 1,035 816 948 Net change in warranties due to acquisitions, divestments and liabilities held for sale (1) 1 8 (88) Claims paid in cash or in kind (222) (209) (310) Net increase in provision for changes in estimates, warranties issued and warranties expired 226 369 276 Exchange rate differences (35) 51 (10) Balance at December 31, 1,005 1,035 816 (1)

Income taxes (Tables)

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Income taxes
Schedule of income tax expense	($ in millions) Current taxes 1,346 776 855 Deferred taxes (289) (280) (83) Income tax expense allocated to continuing operations 1,057 496 772 Income tax expense allocated to discontinued operations 1 322 167
Effective tax rate for the year	($ in millions, except % data) Income from continuing operations before income taxes 5,787 841 1,862 Weighted-average global tax rate 23.7% 22.9% 18.3% Income taxes at weighted-average tax rate 1,371 193 341 Items taxed at rates other than the weighted-average tax rate 176 3 (7) Unrecognized tax benefits 151 (38) 133 Changes in valuation allowance, net (95) 29 198 Effects of changes in tax laws and enacted tax rates 1 23 63 Non-deductible / non-taxable items (542) 232 44 Other, net (5) 54 — Income tax expense from continuing operations 1,057 496 772 Effective tax rate for the year 18.3% 59.0% 41.5%
Components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities from continued operations	December 31, ($ in millions) Deferred tax assets: Unused tax losses and credits 551 758 Provisions and other accrued liabilities 757 750 Other current assets including receivables 104 114 Pension 338 413 Inventories 266 370 Intangible assets 1,135 901 Other 57 48 Total gross deferred tax asset 3,208 3,354 Valuation allowance (1,263) (1,518) Total gross deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance 1,945 1,836 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment (245) (275) Intangible assets (281) (419) Other assets (107) (107) Pension (302) (223) Other liabilities (175) (268) Inventories (35) (29) Unremitted earnings of subsidiaries (308) (333) Total gross deferred tax liability (1,453) (1,654) Net deferred tax asset (liability ) 492 182 Included in: “Deferred taxes”—non-current assets 1,177 843 “Deferred taxes”—non-current liabilities (685) (661) Net deferred tax asset (liability) 492 182
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, 2019 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 Net change due to acquisitions and divestments 1 — 1 Increase relating to prior year tax positions 298 96 394 Decrease relating to prior year tax positions (161) (57) (218) Increase relating to current year tax positions 390 5 395 Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities (340) (75) (415) Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations (59) (16) (75) Exchange rate differences 63 6 69 Balance at December 31, 2020, which would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate 1,298 192 1,490 Net change due to acquisitions and divestments 16 (6) 10 Increase relating to prior year tax positions 240 58 298 Decrease relating to prior year tax positions (42) (3) (45) Increase relating to current year tax positions 98 7 105 Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities (175) (20) (195) Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations (72) (22) (94) Exchange rate differences (41) (7) (48) Balance at December 31, 2021, which would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate 1,322 199 1,521
Open tax years subject to examination	Region Year Europe 2015 United States 2018 Rest of Americas 2017 China 2012 Rest of Asia, Middle East and Africa 2011

Employee benefits (Tables)

Employee benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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) 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 Benefit obligation at January 1, 3,870 4,308 5,527 7,878 98 110 Service cost 61 74 47 92 1 1 Interest cost (5) 6 72 111 2 3 Contributions by plan participants 36 72 8 12 — — Benefit payments (130) (160) (207) (295) (9) (12) Settlements (124) (101) (84) (2,542) — — Benefit obligations of businesses acquired (divested) — (765) (46) (165) (11) (5) Actuarial (gain) loss (140) 71 (15) 214 (8) 4 Plan amendments and other — — 13 (64) (2) (3) Exchange rate differences (134) 365 (200) 286 — — Benefit obligation at December 31, 3,434 3,870 5,115 5,527 71 98 Fair value of plan assets at January 1, 4,133 4,189 4,608 6,246 — — Actual return on plan assets 279 191 197 375 — — Contributions by employer 63 228 124 611 9 12 Contributions by plan participants 36 72 8 12 — — Benefit payments (130) (160) (207) (295) (9) (12) Settlements (124) (101) (84) (2,542) — — Plan assets of businesses acquired (divested) — (664) (50) (82) — — Plan amendments and other — — 14 62 — — Exchange rate differences (144) 378 (147) 221 — — Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 4,113 4,133 4,463 4,608 — — Funded status — overfunded (underfunded) 679 263 (652) (919) (71) (98)
Amount recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits December 31, ($ in millions) Net actuarial (loss) gain (1,540) (2,038) (2,782) 21 21 28 Prior service credit 72 75 59 7 11 13 Amount recognized in OCI (1) (2) (1,468) (1,963) (2,723) 28 32 41 Taxes in OCI and NCI 352 374 536 — — — Amount recognized in OCI and NCI, net of tax (3) (1,116) (1,589) (2,187) 28 32 41 (1) (2) (3) 0 (1) (1)
Schedule of amounts recognized in balance sheet	Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 Overfunded plans 683 267 208 92 — — Underfunded plans — current — — (23) (22) (7) (9) Underfunded plans — non-current (4) (4) (837) (989) (64) (89) Funded status - overfunded (underfunded) 679 263 (652) (919) (71) (98) December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Non-current assets Overfunded pension plans 891 359 Other employee-related benefits 1 1 Pension and other employee benefits 892 360 December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Current liabilities Underfunded pension plans (23) (22) Underfunded other postretirement benefit plans (10) (9) Other employee-related benefits (8) (11) Pension and other employee benefits (41) (42) December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Non-current liabilities Underfunded pension plans (841) (993) Underfunded other postretirement benefit plans (62) (89) Other employee-related benefits (122) (149) Pension and other employee benefits (1,025) (1,231)
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 December 31, Switzerland International Switzerland International ($ in millions) PBO 12 13 2,994 5,131 12 13 2,979 5,008 ABO 12 13 2,917 5,056 12 13 2,905 4,942 Fair value of plan assets 8 9 2,133 4,120 8 9 2,119 4,004
Component of net periodic benefit cost	Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Operational pension cost: Service cost 61 74 76 47 92 113 1 1 1 Operational pension cost 61 74 76 47 92 113 1 1 1 Non-operational pension cost (credit): Interest cost (5) 6 15 72 111 174 2 3 4 Expected return on plan assets (116) (123) (112) (178) (253) (276) — — — Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (9) (11) (14) (2) 2 2 (3) (2) (5) Amortization of net actuarial loss — 7 — 67 109 108 (2) (3) (3) Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits 1 6 11 7 644 27 — — (10) Non-operational pension cost (credit) (129) (115) (100) (34) 613 35 (3) (2) (14) Net periodic benefit cost (68) (41) (24) 13 705 148 (2) (1) (13)
Weighted-average assumptions, Benefit obligation	Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International December 31, (in %) 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 Discount rate 0.2 — 2.1 1.6 2.6 2.1 Rate of compensation increase — — 1.5 1.0 0.3 0.2 Rate of pension increase — — 1.7 1.4 — — Cash balance interest credit rate 1.0 1.0 2.1 2.1 — —
Weighted-average assumptions, Net periodic benefit cost	Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International (in %) 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Discount rate — 0.3 0.8 1.6 1.9 2.8 2.1 2.8 3.9 Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.0 4.3 4.9 — — — Rate of compensation increase — — — 1.0 2.2 2.4 0.2 0.2 0.2 Cash balance interest credit rate 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.1 1.6 1.6 — — —
Health care cost trend assumptions	December 31, 2021 2020 Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 5.1% 5.9% Rate to which the trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) 4.5% 4.9% Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2026 2028
Target asset allocation on weighted-average basis	Target (in %) Switzerland International Asset class Equity 15 15 Fixed income 54 72 Real estate 26 4 Other 5 9 Total 100 100
Fair value of pension plan assets by asset category	Not subject Total December 31, 2021 ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 to leveling (1) fair value Asset class Equity Equity securities 124 1 125 Mutual funds/commingled funds 1,049 1,049 Emerging market mutual funds/commingled funds 218 218 Fixed income Government and corporate securities 314 1,366 1,680 Government and corporate—mutual funds/commingled funds 3,121 3,121 Emerging market bonds—mutual funds/commingled funds 428 428 Real estate 1,326 1,326 Insurance contracts 74 74 Cash and short-term investments 75 158 233 Private equity 65 257 322 Total 513 6,480 1,583 8,576 Not subject Total December 31, 2020 ($ in millions) Level 1 Level 2 to leveling (1) fair value Asset class Equity Equity securities 180 5 185 Mutual funds/commingled funds 1,298 1,298 Emerging market mutual funds/commingled funds 243 243 Fixed income Government and corporate securities 389 1,415 1,804 Government and corporate—mutual funds/commingled funds 2,876 2,876 Emerging market bonds—mutual funds/commingled funds 547 547 Real estate 1,289 1,289 Insurance contracts 50 50 Cash and short-term investments 103 190 293 Private equity 156 156 Hedge funds 1 1 Total 672 6,624 1,446 8,742 Amounts relate .
Schedule of employer contributions to pension and other postretirement benefit plans	Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits Switzerland International International ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2021 2020 2021 2020 Total and other postretirement benefit plans 63 228 124 611 9 12 Of which, discretionary contributions to defined benefit pension plans — 152 61 520 — —
Expected future cash flows of pension and postretirement benefit plans	Defined pension Other postretirement benefits benefits ($ in millions) Switzerland International International 2022 256 265 7 2023 241 257 7 2024 226 255 6 2025 220 256 6 2026 213 259 5 Years 2027 - 2031 977 1,299 22

Share-based payment arrangeme_2

Share-based payment arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Assumptions used in valuation of options	2019 Expected volatility 19% Dividend yield 4.7% Expected term 6 years Risk-free interest rate -0.9%
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, 2021 336.1 67.2 21.16 Exercised (4) (160.0) (32.0) 20.25 Forfeited (1.7) (0.3) 20.31 Outstanding at December 31, 2021 174.4 34.9 22.00 2.4 450 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2021 174.4 34.9 22.00 2.4 450 Exercisable at December 31, 2021 158.5 31.7 22.30 2.3 400 (1) Information 5 :1. (2) Information (3) Computed using Swiss francs. (4) The cash received 693
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) 21.50 9.3 1.9 0.7 22.50 63.4 12.7 1.6 23.50 61.6 12.3 2.7 19.00 40.1 8.0 3.7 Total number of options and shares 174.4 34.9 2.4 (1) Information (2) Information
Summary of activity, WARs	(in millions) Number of WARs Outstanding at January 1, 2021 22.1 Exercised (12.6) Forfeited (0.1) Outstanding at December 31, 2021 9.4 Exercisable at December 31, 2021 3.8
Assumptions used for ESAP fair value calculation	2021 2020 2019 Expected volatility 20% 24% 18% Dividend yield 2.9% 3.8% 4.1% Expected term 1 year 1 year 1 year Risk-free interest rate -0.6% -0.7% -0.7%
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, 2021 2.1 22.87 Granted 1.8 30.32 Forfeited (0.1) 22.87 Exercised (4) (1.7) 22.87 Not exercised (savings returned plus interest) (0.3) 22.87 Outstanding at December 31, 2021 1.8 30.32 0.8 8.3 Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2021 1.7 30.32 0.8 7.9 Exercisable at December 31, 2021 — — — — (1) Includes shares (2) Information (3) Computed using Swiss francs. (4) The cash received 42
LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of activity related to options	Weighted-average Number of grant-date Performance Shares fair value per share (in millions) (Swiss francs) Nonvested at January 1, 2021 1.3 12.76 Granted 0.9 38.92 Vested (0.4) 25.78 Forfeited (0.3) 19.82 Nonvested at December 31, 2021 1.5 23.23 Weighted-average Number of grant-date Restricted Shares fair value per share (in millions) (Swiss francs) Nonvested at January 1, 2021 1.2 15.80 Granted 0.9 26.39 Forfeited (0.1) 18.09 Nonvested at December 31, 2021 2.0 20.61

Earnings per share (Tables)

Earnings per share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share	Basic earnings per share: ($ in millions, except per share data in $) Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders: Income from continuing operations, net of tax 4,625 294 1,043 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (79) 4,852 396 Net income 4,546 5,146 1,439 Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,001 2,111 2,133 Basic earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders: Income from continuing operations, net of tax 2.31 0.14 0.49 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (0.04) 2.30 0.19 Net income 2.27 2.44 0.67
Diluted earnings per share	Diluted earnings per share: ($ in millions, except per share data in $) Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders: Income from continuing operations, net of tax 4,625 294 1,043 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (79) 4,852 396 Net income 4,546 5,146 1,439 Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,001 2,111 2,133 Effect of dilutive securities: Call options and shares 18 8 2 Adjusted weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in millions) 2,019 2,119 2,135 Diluted earnings per share attributable to ABB shareholders: Income from continuing operations, net of tax 2.29 0.14 0.49 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (0.04) 2.29 0.19 Net income 2.25 2.43 0.67

Other comprehensive income (Tab

Other comprehensive income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Other comprehensive income
Schedule of tax effects allocated to each component of total other comprehensive income (loss)	2021 2020 2019 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 (521) — (521) 500 (2) 498 (130) — (130) Changes attributable to divestments (9) — (9) 519 — 519 (2) — (2) Net change during the year (530) — (530) 1,019 (2) 1,017 (132) — (132) Available-for-sale securities: Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year (13) 3 (10) 31 (7) 24 16 (2) 14 Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income (6) 1 (5) (18) 4 (14) 1 (1) — Changes attributable to divestments — — — (3) — (3) — — — Net change during the year (19) 4 (15) 10 (3) 7 17 (3) 14 Pension and other postretirement plans: Prior service (costs) credits arising during the year 2 (2) — 55 (12) 43 3 3 6 Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the year 437 (26) 411 (243) 43 (200) (293) 73 (220) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net income (14) — (14) (11) — (11) (25) (3) (28) Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income 65 4 69 113 (25) 88 99 (31) 68 Net losses from settlements and curtailments included in net income 7 — 7 650 (132) 518 38 (6) 32 Changes attributable to divestments (8) 2 (6) 186 (35) 151 — — — Net change during the year 489 (22) 467 750 (161) 589 (178) 36 (142) Derivative instruments and hedges: Net gains (losses) arising during the year 7 1 8 2 — 2 20 — 20 Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income (13) — (13) (2) 2 — (9) — (9) Net change during the year (6) 1 (5) — 2 2 11 — 11 Total other comprehensive income (loss) (66) (17) (83) 1,779 (164) 1,615 (282) 33 (249)
Schedule of changes in component of accumulated other comprehensive loss (OCI), net of tax	Unrealized Pension and Foreign gains (losses) other post- Accumulated currency on available- retirement other translation for-sale plan comprehensive ($ in millions) adjustments securities adjustments loss Balance at January 1, 2019 (3,324) (4) (1,967) (16) (5,311) Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles (1) — — (36) — (36) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (130) 14 (214) 20 (310) Amounts reclassified from OCI (2) — 72 (9) 61 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) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications 498 24 (157) 2 367 Amounts reclassified from OCI 519 (17) 746 — 1,248 Total other comprehensive (loss) income 1,017 7 589 2 1,615 Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests 27 — — — 27 Balance at December 31, 2020 (2,460) 17 (1,556) (3) (4,002) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (521) (10) 411 8 (112) Amounts reclassified from OCI (9) (5) 56 (13) 29 Total other comprehensive (loss) income (530) (15) 467 (5) (83) Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests 4 — — — 4 Balance at December 31, 2021 (2) (2,993) 2 (1,089) (8) (4,088) (1)
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 2021 2020 2019 Foreign currency translation adjustments: Changes attributable to divestments: Other income (expense), net (9) — (2) Other income (expense), net — 99 — Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax — 420 — Amounts reclassified from OCI (9) 519 (2) Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments: Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Non-operational pension (cost) credit (1) (14) (11) (25) Amortization of net actuarial loss Non-operational pension (cost) credit (1) 65 113 99 Net losses from settlements and curtailments Non-operational pension (cost) credit (1) 7 650 38 Changes attributable to divestments: Other income (expense), net (8) — — Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (2) — 186 — Total before tax 50 938 112 Tax Income tax expense 4 (157) (40) Changes in tax attributable to divestments: Other income (expense), net 2 — — Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (2) — (35) — Amounts reclassified from OCI 56 746 72 (1) 94 6 discontinued (2)

Restructuring and related exp_2

Restructuring and related expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
OS Program
Restructuring cumulative costs incurred to date per operating segment	Cumulative costs Costs incurred in incurred up to ($ in millions) 2020 2019 December 31, 2020 Electrification 35 18 85 Motion 18 6 25 Process Automation (1) 37 3 61 Robotics & Discrete Automation 10 8 18 Corporate and Other 49 54 114 Total 149 89 303 (1)
Schedule of restructuring expenses, net of changes in estimates	Cumulative costs Costs incurred in incurred up to ($ in millions) 2020 2019 December 31, 2020 Employee severance costs 109 81 255 Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs 17 1 18 Inventory and long-lived asset impairments 23 7 30 Total 149 89 303
Schedule of allocation of restructuring and related expenses, net of changes in estimates	($ in millions) 2020 2019 Total 38 8 Selling, general and administrative expenses 37 46 Non-order related research and development expenses 4 1 Other income (expense), net 70 34 Total 149 89
Schedule of liabilities associated with restructuring program	Contract settlement, Employee loss order ($ in millions) severance 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 Expenses 119 17 136 Cash payments (91) (15) (106) Change in estimates (10) — (10) Exchange rate differences 4 — 4 Liability at December 31, 2020 121 2 123 Expenses, net of change in estimates 2 2 4 Cash payments (65) (3) (68) Exchange rate differences (6) — (6) Liability at December 31, 2021 52 1 53
Other restructuring-related activities
Schedule of restructuring expenses, net of changes in estimates	($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Employee severance costs 101 164 55 Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs 31 18 37 Inventory and long-lived asset impairments 24 12 22 Total 156 194 114
Schedule of allocation of restructuring and related expenses, net of changes in estimates	($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Total 71 95 46 Selling, general and administrative expenses 21 50 4 Non-order related research and development expenses 2 10 — Other income (expense), net 62 39 64 Total 156 194 114

Operating segment and geograp_2

Operating segment and geographic data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Operating segment and geographic data
Schedule of segment revenues	2021 ($ in millions) Electrification Motion Process Automation Robotics & Discrete Automation Corporate and Other Total Geographical markets 4,517 2,015 2,416 1,578 3 10,529 4,465 2,346 1,431 439 5 8,686 of which: United States 3,304 1,952 833 308 — 6,397 3,975 2,111 2,367 1,270 7 9,730 of which: China 2,087 1,156 740 949 — 4,932 12,957 6,472 6,214 3,287 15 28,945 Product type 10,706 5,555 1,496 2,159 4 19,920 1,367 — 1,802 645 11 3,825 884 917 2,916 483 — 5,200 12,957 6,472 6,214 3,287 15 28,945 12,957 6,472 6,214 3,287 15 28,945 230 453 45 10 (738) — Total revenues 13,187 6,925 6,259 3,297 (723) 28,945 2020 ($ in millions) Electrification Motion Process Automation Robotics & Discrete Automation Corporate and Other Total Geographical markets 4,008 1,934 2,322 1,429 15 9,708 4,050 2,173 1,321 385 7 7,936 of which: United States 3,093 1,846 805 270 5 6,019 3,506 1,807 2,038 1,024 7 8,382 of which: China 1,820 926 628 714 3 4,091 11,564 5,914 5,681 2,838 29 26,026 Product type 9,951 5,040 1,263 1,635 53 17,942 743 — 1,665 780 (24) 3,164 870 874 2,753 423 — 4,920 11,564 5,914 5,681 2,838 29 26,026 11,564 5,914 5,681 2,838 29 26,026 (1) 360 495 111 69 (927) 108 Total revenues 11,924 6,409 5,792 2,907 (898) 26,134 2019 ($ in millions) Electrification Motion Process Automation Robotics & Discrete Automation Corporate and Other Total Geographical markets Europe 4,039 1,879 2,416 1,634 36 10,004 The Americas 4,568 2,315 1,582 453 1 8,919 of which: United States 3,522 1,972 948 290 3 6,735 Asia, Middle East and Africa 3,665 1,827 2,153 1,157 40 8,842 of which: China 1,729 876 608 825 1 4,039 12,272 6,021 6,151 3,244 77 27,765 Product type Products 10,315 5,152 1,439 1,785 65 18,756 Systems 958 — 1,648 968 12 3,586 Services and software 999 869 3,064 491 — 5,423 12,272 6,021 6,151 3,244 77 27,765 Third-party revenues 12,272 6,021 6,151 3,244 77 27,765 Intersegment revenues (1) 456 512 122 70 (947) 213 Total revenues 12,728 6,533 6,273 3,314 (870) 27,978 (1) are not eliminated
Schedule of operational EBITA reconciliations	($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 Operational EBITA: Electrification 2,121 1,681 1,688 Motion 1,183 1,075 1,082 Process Automation 801 451 732 Robotics & Discrete Automation 355 237 393 Corporate and Other: — Non-core and divested businesses (39) (133) (145) — Stranded corporate costs — (40) (225) — Corporate costs and Other intersegment elimination (299) (372) (418) Total 4,122 2,899 3,107 Acquisition-related amortization (250) (263) (265) Restructuring, related and implementation costs (1) (160) (410) (300) Changes in obligations related to divested businesses (9) (218) (36) Changes in pre-acquisition estimates 6 (11) (22) Gains and losses from sale of businesses 2,193 (2) 55 Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale — (33) (421) Acquisition- (132) (74) (121) Other income/expenses relating to the Power Grids joint venture (34) (20) — Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations: Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange, commodities, embedded derivatives) (54) 67 20 Realized gains and losses on derivatives where the underlying hedged transaction has not yet been realized (2) 26 8 Unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and 20 (33) (7) Certain other non-operational items: Costs for divestment of Power Grids — (86) (141) Regulatory, compliance and legal costs — (7) (7) Business transformation costs (2) (92) (37) (19) Executive Committee transition costs (3) (1) (14) Favorable resolution of an uncertain purchase price adjustment 6 36 92 Gain on sale of investments — — 15 Certain other fair value changes, including asset impairments (3) 119 (239) (4) Other non-operational items (12) (1) (2) Income from operations 5,718 1,593 1,938 Interest and dividend income 51 51 67 Interest and other finance expense (148) (240) (215) Losses from extinguishment of debt — (162) — Non-operational pension (cost) credit 166 (401) 72 Income from continuing operations before taxes 5,787 841 1,862 (1) 67 97 (2) 80 (3) 311
Schedule of Depreciation and amortization, Capital expenditure, and Total assets by segment	Depreciation and Total assets (1), (2), (3) amortization (1) Capital expenditures (1), (2) at December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 2021 2020 2019 Electrification 425 411 444 345 316 298 12,831 12,800 12,318 Motion 172 182 183 230 118 79 5,936 6,495 6,378 Process Automation 83 80 72 85 75 126 5,009 5,008 4,914 Robotics & Discrete Automation 144 131 129 96 65 62 4,860 4,794 4,784 Corporate and Other 69 111 133 64 120 197 11,624 11,991 17,714 Consolidated 893 915 961 820 694 762 40,260 41,088 46,108 (1) Other, (2) (3) 136 282 9,840 in the Power Corporate 1,609 1,710
Schedule of geographic information for long-lived assets	Long-lived assets at December 31, ($ in millions) 2021 2020 Europe 2,670 2,822 The Americas 1,260 1,382 Asia, Middle East and Africa 1,009 940 Total 4,939 5,144

Significant accounting polici_3

Significant accounting policies - General (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
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%
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, 2021
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

Discontinued operations (Detail

Discontinued operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 01, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Floor price equivalent percent discount		10.00%	10.00%
Revenues		$ 28,945	$ 26,134	$ 27,978
Operating results of the discontinued businesses
Income tax		(1)	(322)	(167)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(80)	4,860	438
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to parent		(79)	4,852	396
Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations
Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations		136	282
Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations
Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations		381	644
Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations
Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations		$ 43	197
Power Grids business
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Ownership interest percent	19.90%	19.90%
Power Grids business
Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations
Receivables, net		$ 131	280
Inventories, net		0	1
Other current assets		5	1
Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations		136	282
Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations
Accounts payable, trade		71	188
Other current liabilities		310	456
Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations		381	644
Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations
Other non-current liabilities		43	197
Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations		43	197
Held for sale and discontinued operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues			108	213
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	$ 9,241
Combined fair value of the retained investment and the related put option	1,779
Liability in discontinued operations for estimated payments for various contractual items	$ 487	150
Cumulative translation loss relating to sale of business			420
Income tax expense within discontinued operations			262
Escrow Deposit		$ 12	302
Fair value of the right granted for use of brand			$ 258
Transition services agreements, term		3 years
Right granted for use of brand, term			8 years
Income from transition services agreements		$ 173	$ 91
Net interest and other finance expense recorded on allocated basis			20	44
Operating results of the discontinued businesses
Total revenues		0	4,008	9,037
Total cost of sales		0	(3,058)	(6,983)
Gross profit		0	950	2,054
Expenses		(18)	(808)	(1,394)
Change to net gain reconized on sale of business		(65)	5,141	0
Income (loss) from operations		(83)	5,282	660
Net interest income (expense) and other finance expense		2	(5)	(61)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit		0	(94)	5
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes		(81)	5,182	605
Income tax		1	(322)	(167)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(80)	4,860	438
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, attributable to parent		(80)	5,170	566
Amount paid to reduce liability		$ 364	33
Non-current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations
Gain on disposal adjustments			65
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			$ 40	$ 225

Acquisitions, divestments and_3

Acquisitions, divestments and equity-accounted companies - Acquisition of controlling interests (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 02, 2021USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)Item	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)Item	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)Item	Nov. 30, 2019USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price for acquisitions (net of cash acquired)			$ 212	$ 79	$ 0
Aggregate excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired			$ 161	$ 92	$ 92
Number of acquired businesses | Item			2	3	0
Goodwill adjustment			$ (6)	$ (36)	$ (92)
GEIS
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill adjustment		$ 92
Proceeds from purchase price adjustment resolution						$ 92
Acquisition price (net of cash acquired)	$ 186

Acquisitions, divestments and_4

Acquisitions, divestments and equity-accounted companies - Acquisition of noncontrolling interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 01, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Equity method investments		$ 1,670	$ 1,784
Noncontrolling interests		$ 378	$ 314
Floor price equivalent percent discount		10.00%	10.00%
Floor price equivalent discount value			$ 118
Accumulated depreciation		$ 6,187	6,364
Income (loss) from equity accounted companies, net of taxes		38	29	$ 8
Basis difference amortization (net of deferred income tax benefit)		(138)	(95)	0
Income (loss) from equity accounted companies		$ (100)	(66)	$ 8
Discontinued Operations Held-for-sale [Member] | Power Grids Business [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Divestment percentage	80.10%
Power Grids Business [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership interest percent	19.90%	19.90%
Equity method investments		$ 1,609	1,710
Noncontrolling interests	$ 1,661
Basis difference, underlying net assets		8,570
Basis difference, underlying net assets at noncontrolling interest percent		1,705
Power Grids Business [Member] | Non-controlling interests
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Basis difference, underlying net assets		(451)
Power Grids Business [Member] | Other assets
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Basis difference, underlying net assets		43
Power Grids Business [Member] | Deferred tax liabilities
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Basis difference, underlying net assets		(942)
Power Grids Business [Member] | Order backlog
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Basis difference, underlying net assets		$ 727
Weighted-average useful life		2 years
Power Grids Business [Member] | Other contractual rights
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Basis difference, underlying net assets		$ 251
Weighted-average useful life		2 years
Power Grids Business [Member] | Inventory
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Basis difference, underlying net assets		$ 169
Weighted-average useful life		5 months
Power Grids Business [Member] | Property, plant and equipment
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Basis difference, underlying net assets		$ 1,016
Accumulated depreciation			$ 686
Weighted average useful life			14 years
Power Grids Business [Member] | Intangible assets
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Basis difference, underlying net assets		$ 1,731
Weighted-average useful life		9 years
Power Grids Business [Member] | Goodwill
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Basis difference, underlying net assets		$ 6,026
Other
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Equity method investments		$ 61	$ 74

Acquisitions, divestments and_5

Acquisitions, divestments and equity-accounted companies - Divestments (Details) € in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2020USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2019USD ($)
Business divestments
Net gains relating to divestments of consolidated businesses, net of transaction costs			$ 55,000,000
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Current assets held for sale and in discontinued operations	$ 136,000,000				$ 282,000,000
Current liabilities held for sale and in discontinued operations	381,000,000				644,000,000
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	5,787,000,000	$ 841,000,000	1,862,000,000
Solar Inverters business | Disposal group, held for sale, not discontinued operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Divestment value						$ 0
Amount payable to buyer				€ 132	$ 145,000,000		$ 143,000,000
Loss on write down of disposal group	33,000,000		421,000,000
Loss from cumulative translation adjustment, disposal group		(99,000,000)	(99,000,000)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	(63,000,000)	(490,000,000)
Dodge [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	115,000,000	$ 96,000,000	$ 111,000,000
Recognized net gain on sale of business	2,193,000,000
Proceeds from divestments of consolidated businesses, net of transaction costs	$ 2,958,000,000

Cash and equivalents, marketa_3

Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments - Unrealized gains and losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis	$ 5,635	$ 5,972
Gross unrealized gains	26	37
Gross unrealized losses	(2)	0
Fair value	5,659	6,009
Cash and equivalents	4,489	3,901
Marketable securities and short-term investments	1,170	2,108
Changes in fair value recorded in net income
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis	5,358	5,605
Gross unrealized gains	18	12
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	5,376	5,617
Cash and equivalents	4,489	3,901
Marketable securities and short-term investments	887	1,716
Cash
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis	2,752	2,388
Fair value	2,752	2,388
Cash and equivalents	2,752	2,388
Time deposits
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis	2,037	1,513
Fair value	2,037	1,513
Cash and equivalents	1,737	1,513
Marketable securities and short-term investments	300
Equity securities
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis	569	1,704
Gross unrealized gains	18	12
Fair value	587	1,716
Marketable securities and short-term investments	587	1,716
Changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis	277	367
Gross unrealized gains	8	25
Gross unrealized losses	(2)	0
Fair value	283	392
Cash and equivalents	0	0
Marketable securities and short-term investments	283	392
Debt securities - U.S. government obligations | Available-for-sale securities
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis	203	274
Gross unrealized gains	7	19
Gross unrealized losses	(1)
Fair value	209	293
Marketable securities and short-term investments	209	293
Debt securities - European government obligations | Available-for-sale securities
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis		24
Fair value		24
Marketable securities and short-term investments		24
Debt securities - Corporate | Available-for-sale securities
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cost basis	74	69
Gross unrealized gains	1	6
Gross unrealized losses	(1)
Fair value	74	75
Marketable securities and short-term investments	74	75
Restricted cash, current
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents	30	323
Restricted cash, non-current
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short Term Investments [Line Items]
Cash and equivalents	$ 300	$ 300

Cash and equivalents, marketa_4

Cash and equivalents, marketable securities and short-term investments - Contractual maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Available-for-sale securities
Available-for-sale securities, Less than one year, Cost basis	$ 1
Available-for-sale securities, One to five years, Cost basis	178
Available-for-sale securities, Six to ten years, Cost basis	92
Available-for-sale securities, Due after ten years, Cost basis	6
Available-for-sale securities, Total Cost basis	277
Available-for-sale securities, Less than one year, Fair value	1
Available-for-sale securities, One to five years, Fair value	181
Available-for-sale securities, Six to ten years, Fair value	94
Available-for-sale securities, Due after ten years, Fair value	7
Available-for-sale securities, Total Fair value	283
Available-for-sale marketable securities pledged as collateral	$ 66	$ 66

Derivative financial instrume_3

Derivative financial instruments - General information and gain or loss recognized or reclassified (Details) Item in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)Itemozt	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)Itemozt	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)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
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	$ (145,000,000)	$ 310,000,000	$ (167,000,000)
Amounts recorded for cash flow hedge accounting activities	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
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	36,017	39,390	42,494
Aluminum swaps (in metric tonnes)
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of outstanding commodity derivatives | t	7,125	8,112	8,388
Silver swaps (in ounces)
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts of outstanding commodity derivatives | oz	2,842,533	1,966,677	2,508,770
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative	$ 11,276,000,000	$ 12,610,000,000	$ 15,015,000,000
Foreign exchange contracts | Total revenues
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	3,000,000	94,000,000	(7,000,000)
Foreign exchange contracts | Total cost of sales
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	(53,000,000)	0	(64,000,000)
Foreign exchange contracts | Selling, general and administrative expenses
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	11,000,000	(11,000,000)	2,000,000
Foreign exchange contracts | Non-order related research and development expenses
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	(2,000,000)	(2,000,000)	1,000,000
Foreign exchange contracts | Interest and other finance expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	(173,000,000)	207,000,000	(122,000,000)
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative	815,000,000	1,134,000,000	924,000,000
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives | Total revenues
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	(7,000,000)	(34,000,000)	17,000,000
Embedded foreign exchange derivatives | Total cost of sales
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	(2,000,000)	(1,000,000)	(6,000,000)
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative	906,000,000
Cross-currency interest rate swaps | Interest and other finance expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income on derivatives designated as fair value hedges	(37,000,000)
Gains (losses) recognized in income on hedged item	34,000,000
Interest rate contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative	3,541,000,000	3,227,000,000	5,188,000,000
Interest rate contracts | Interest and other finance expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income on derivatives designated as fair value hedges	(55,000,000)	11,000,000	38,000,000
Gains (losses) recognized in income on hedged item	56,000,000	(11,000,000)	(38,000,000)
Commodity contracts | Total cost of sales
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	78,000,000	56,000,000	12,000,000
Other | Interest and other finance expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) recognized in income, derivatives not designated in hedge relationships	$ 0	$ 1,000,000	$ 0
Equity derivatives
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash-settled call options held on ABB Ltd shares | Item	9	22	40
Conversion ratio	5
Total fair value of cash settled call options on ABB Ltd shares	$ 29,000,000	$ 21,000,000	$ 26,000,000

Derivative financial instrume_4

Derivative financial instruments - Balance sheet location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$ 200	$ 410
Derivative liabilities	238	147
Current in "Other current assets"
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	176	308
Current in "Other current assets" | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	38	16
Current in "Other current assets" | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	138	292
Current in "Other current assets" | Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	108	221
Current in "Other current assets" | Commodity contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	19	59
Current in "Other current assets" | Interest rate contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	9	6
Current in "Other current assets" | Interest rate contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	1	2
Current in "Other current assets" | Cash-settled call options | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	29	10
Current in "Other current assets" | Embedded foreign exchange derivatives | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	10	10
Non-current in "Other non-current assets"
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	41	114
Non-current in "Other non-current assets" | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	20	90
Non-current in "Other non-current assets" | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	21	24
Non-current in "Other non-current assets" | Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets		1
Non-current in "Other non-current assets" | Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	14	22
Non-current in "Other non-current assets" | Interest rate contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	20	78
Non-current in "Other non-current assets" | Cash-settled call options | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets		11
Non-current in "Other non-current assets" | Embedded foreign exchange derivatives | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	7	2
Current in "Other current liabilities"
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	133	145
Current in "Other current liabilities" | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	3	2
Current in "Other current liabilities" | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	130	143
Current in "Other current liabilities" | Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	3	2
Current in "Other current liabilities" | Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	107	106
Current in "Other current liabilities" | Commodity contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	5	7
Current in "Other current liabilities" | Interest rate contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	2	2
Current in "Other current liabilities" | Embedded foreign exchange derivatives | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	16	28
Non-current in "Other non-current liabilities"
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	131	46
Non-current in "Other non-current liabilities" | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	114	4
Non-current in "Other non-current liabilities" | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	17	42
Non-current in "Other non-current liabilities" | Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	5	4
Non-current in "Other non-current liabilities" | Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	7	26
Non-current in "Other non-current liabilities" | Cross-currency interest rate swaps | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	109
Non-current in "Other non-current liabilities" | Embedded foreign exchange derivatives | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	$ 10	$ 16

Derivative financial instrume_5

Derivative financial instruments - Offsetting assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivatives
Gross amount of recognized assets	$ 200	$ 410
Derivative liabilities eligible for set-off in case of default	(104)	(106)
Net asset exposure	96	304
Total
Gross amount of recognized assets	200	410
Derivative liabilities eligible for set-off in case of default	(104)	(106)
Net asset exposure	$ 96	$ 304

Derivative financial instrume_6

Derivative financial instruments - Offsetting liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivatives
Gross amount of recognized liabilities	$ 238	$ 147
Derivative liabilities eligible for set-off in case of default	(104)	(106)
Net liability exposure	134	41
Total
Gross amount of recognized liabilities	238	147
Derivative liabilities eligible for set-off in case of default	(104)	(106)
Net liability exposure	$ 134	$ 41

Fair values - Fair value of fin

Fair values - Fair value of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"		$ 1,170,000,000	$ 2,108,000,000
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities-current in "Other current liabilities"		133,000,000	145,000,000
Derivative liabilities-non-current in "Other non-current liabilities"		130,000,000	46,000,000
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
Goodwill impairment charges		0	311,000,000	$ 0
Recurring
Assets.
Derivative assets-current in "Other current assets"		176,000,000	308,000,000
Derivative assets-non-current in "Other non-current assets"		41,000,000	114,000,000
Total financial assets, fair value		1,087,000,000	2,530,000,000
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities-current in "Other current liabilities"		133,000,000	145,000,000
Derivative liabilities-non-current in "Other non-current liabilities"		131,000,000	46,000,000
Total financial liabilities, fair value		264,000,000	191,000,000
Non-recurring
Assets.
Total financial assets, fair value		0	0
Liabilities
Goodwill impairment charges	$ 311,000,000
Equity securities | Recurring
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"		587,000,000	1,716,000,000
Debt securities - U.S. government obligations | Recurring
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"		209,000,000	293,000,000
Debt securities - Other government obligations | Recurring
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"			24,000,000
Debt securities - Corporate | Recurring
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"		74,000,000	75,000,000
Private equity investment | Non-recurring
Liabilities
Net fair value gains		108,000,000	73,000,000
Level 1 | Recurring
Assets.
Total financial assets, fair value		209,000,000	317,000,000
Level 1 | Debt securities - U.S. government obligations | Recurring
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"		209,000,000	293,000,000
Level 1 | Debt securities - Other government obligations | Recurring
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"			24,000,000
Level 2 | Recurring
Assets.
Derivative assets-current in "Other current assets"		176,000,000	308,000,000
Derivative assets-non-current in "Other non-current assets"		41,000,000	114,000,000
Total financial assets, fair value		878,000,000	2,213,000,000
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities-current in "Other current liabilities"		133,000,000	145,000,000
Derivative liabilities-non-current in "Other non-current liabilities"		131,000,000	46,000,000
Total financial liabilities, fair value		264,000,000	191,000,000
Level 2 | Equity securities | Recurring
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"		587,000,000	1,716,000,000
Level 2 | Debt securities - Corporate | Recurring
Assets.
Securities in "Marketable securities and short-term investments"		74,000,000	75,000,000
Level 2 | Private equity investment | Non-recurring
Assets.
Total financial assets, fair value		$ 169,000,000	$ 105,000,000

Fair values - Schedule of fair

Fair values - Schedule of fair values of financial instruments carried on a cost basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities up to 3 months)
Restricted cash	$ 30	$ 323
Restricted cash, non-current	300	300
Carrying value
Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities up to 3 months)
Cash	2,422	1,765
Time deposits	1,737	1,513
Restricted cash	30	323
Restricted cash, non-current	300	300
Marketable securities and short-term investments (excluding securities)
Time deposits	300
Liabilities
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)	1,357	1,266
Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)	4,043	4,668
Total fair value
Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities up to 3 months)
Cash	2,422	1,765
Time deposits	1,737	1,513
Restricted cash	30	323
Restricted cash, non-current	300	300
Marketable securities and short-term investments (excluding securities)
Time deposits	300
Liabilities
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)	1,357	1,266
Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)	4,292	4,998
Total fair value | Level 1
Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities up to 3 months)
Cash	2,422	1,765
Restricted cash	30	323
Restricted cash, non-current	300	300
Liabilities
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)	1,288	497
Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)	4,234	4,909
Total fair value | Level 2
Cash and equivalents (excluding securities with original maturities up to 3 months)
Time deposits	1,737	1,513
Marketable securities and short-term investments (excluding securities)
Time deposits	300
Liabilities
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)	69	769
Long-term debt (excluding finance lease obligations)	$ 58	$ 89

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, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities
Trade receivables	$ 6,206	$ 6,417
Other receivables	684	760
Allowance	(339)	(357)	$ (228)
Total receivables, net	6,551	6,820
Contractual retention amounts billed to customers	$ 119	146
Percent of outstanding contractual retention amounts billed to customers expected to be collected in the year following the balance sheet date	60.00%
Percent of outstanding contractual retention amounts billed to customers expected to be collected the second year following the balance sheet date	29.00%
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance at January 1	$ 357	228	219
Transition adjustment	0	56	0
Current-period provision for expected credit losses	33	115	31
Write-offs charged against the allowance	(37)	(42)	(19)
Exchange rate differences	(14)	0	(3)
Balance at December 31	$ 339	$ 357	$ 228

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, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities
Contract assets	$ 990	$ 985	$ 1,025
Contract liabilities	1,894	1,903	$ 1,719
Significant changes in the Contract assets and Contract liabilities balances
Revenue recognized, which was included in the Contract liabilities balance at Jan 1, 2020/2019	(1,086)	(1,011)
Additions to Contract liabilities - excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period	1,136	1,129
Receivables recognized that were included in the Contract assets balance at Jan 1, 2020/2019	$ (566)	$ (680)

Receivables, net and Contract_5

Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities - Performance obligations (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)
Receivables, net and Contract assets and liabilities
Performance obligation, unfulfilled orders	$ 16,607
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
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]: 2023-01-01
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, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Inventories, net
Raw materials	$ 2,136	$ 1,785
Work in process	995	1,020
Finished goods	1,594	1,499
Advances to suppliers	155	165
Total inventory, net	$ 4,880	$ 4,469

Property, plant and equipment_3

Property, plant and equipment, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 10,232	$ 10,538
Accumulated depreciation	(6,187)	(6,364)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	4,045	4,174
Assets under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment, net
Capital lease assets, gross	256	248
Accumulated depreciation	(123)	(111)
Total capital lease assets, net	133	137
Depreciation expense
Depreciation expense including depreciation of assets under capital leases	575	586	$ 616
Land and buildings
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,925	3,889
Assets under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment, net
Capital lease assets, gross	164	169
Machinery and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, gross	5,785	6,144
Assets under capital leases included in property, plant and equipment, net
Capital lease assets, gross	92	79
Construction in progress
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 522	$ 505

Goodwill and intangible asset_2

Goodwill and intangible assets - Changes in goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill
Goodwill, at cost	$ 10,760	$ 11,152
Goodwill at the opening balance	10,850	10,825
Goodwill acquired during the year	161	92	$ 92
Goodwill allocated to disposals	(345)
Impairment of goodwill	0	(311)	0
Exchange rate differences and other	(184)	244
Goodwill at the closing balance	10,482	10,850	10,825
Electrification
Goodwill
Goodwill at the opening balance	4,527	4,372
Goodwill acquired during the year	11	71
Exchange rate differences and other	(66)	84
Goodwill at the closing balance	4,472	4,527	4,372
Motion
Goodwill
Goodwill at the opening balance	2,456	2,436
Goodwill allocated to disposals	(338)
Exchange rate differences and other	(1)	20
Goodwill at the closing balance	2,117	2,456	2,436
Process Automation
Goodwill
Goodwill at the opening balance	1,639	1,615
Goodwill allocated to disposals	(7)
Exchange rate differences and other	(19)	24
Goodwill at the closing balance	1,613	1,639	1,615
Robotics & Discrete Automation
Goodwill
Goodwill at the opening balance	2,228	2,381
Goodwill acquired during the year	150	21
Impairment of goodwill		(290)
Exchange rate differences and other	(98)	116
Goodwill at the closing balance	2,280	2,228	2,381
Accumulated impairment charges	(278)	(302)
Corporate and Other
Goodwill
Goodwill at the opening balance	0	21
Impairment of goodwill		(21)
Goodwill at the closing balance	0	0	$ 21
Machine Automation [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill at the opening balance	$ 554
Impairment of goodwill		(290)
Goodwill at the closing balance		$ 554

Goodwill and intangible asset_3

Goodwill and intangible assets - Future amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 4,253	$ 5,143
Accumulated amortization	(2,692)	(3,065)
Total	1,561	2,078
Additions to intangible assets other than goodwill	95	78
Amortization expense
Amortization expense of intangible assets other than goodwill	318	329	$ 345
Future amortization expense of intangible assets
2022	276
2023	249
2024	199
2025	155
2026	142
Thereafter	540
Total	1,561	2,078
Capitalized software for internal use
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	835	828
Accumulated amortization	(732)	(694)
Total	103	134
Amortization expense
Amortization expense of intangible assets other than goodwill	66	61	74
Future amortization expense of intangible assets
Total	103	134
Capitalized software for sale
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	31	33
Accumulated amortization	(29)	(32)
Total	2	1
Future amortization expense of intangible assets
Total	2	1
Intangibles other than software:
Amortization expense
Amortization expense of intangible assets other than goodwill	252	268	$ 271
Intangibles other than software: Customer-related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,716	2,557
Accumulated amortization	(707)	(1,104)
Total	1,009	1,453
Future amortization expense of intangible assets
Total	1,009	1,453
Intangibles other than software: Technology-related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,122	1,170
Accumulated amortization	(868)	(898)
Total	254	272
Future amortization expense of intangible assets
Total	254	272
Intangibles other than software: Marketing-related
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	493	492
Accumulated amortization	(327)	(304)
Total	166	188
Future amortization expense of intangible assets
Total	166	188
Intangibles other than software: Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	56	63
Accumulated amortization	(29)	(33)
Total	27	30
Future amortization expense of intangible assets
Total	$ 27	$ 30

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details)	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019CHF (SFr)	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2021EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Feb. 23, 2022USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021CHF (SFr)	Dec. 31, 2021EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020CHF (SFr)	Dec. 31, 2020EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt											$ 5,561,000,000			$ 6,121,000,000
Short-term debt (weighted average interest rate of 3.2% and 2.8%, respectively)											78,000,000			153,000,000
Current maturities of long-term debt (weighted-average nominal interest rate 2.8% and 3.2%, respectively)											1,306,000,000			1,140,000,000
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt											$ 1,384,000,000			$ 1,293,000,000
Short-term debt, weighted average interest rate (as a percent)									3.20%	3.20%	3.20%	2.80%	2.80%	2.80%
Current maturities of long-term debt, weighted average nominal interest rate (as a percent)									2.80%	2.80%	2.80%	3.20%	3.20%	3.20%
Number of commercial paper programs									2	2	2
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 5,483,000,000			$ 5,968,000,000
Current portion of long-term debt											(1,306,000,000)			(1,140,000,000)
Long-term debt											4,177,000,000			4,828,000,000
Maturities of long-term debt
2022											1,271,000,000
2023											794,000,000
2024											1,156,000,000
2025											56,000,000
2026											0
Thereafter											2,085,000,000
Total											5,362,000,000
Repurchase terms
Losses from extinguishment of debt					$ 0	$ (162,000,000)	$ 0
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 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
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											$ 3,598,000,000			$ 3,330,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)									1.20%	1.20%	1.20%	1.60%	1.60%	1.60%
Debt effective interest rate (as a percent)									0.30%	0.30%	0.30%	0.20%	0.20%	0.20%
Fixed rate
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 1,885,000,000			$ 2,638,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)									3.00%	3.00%	3.00%	3.20%	3.20%	3.20%
Debt effective interest rate (as a percent)									3.10%	3.10%	3.10%	3.30%	3.30%	3.30%
Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term debt:
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)									2.80%	2.80%	2.80%	3.20%	3.20%	3.20%
Debt effective interest rate (as a percent)									1.00%	1.00%	1.00%	2.60%	2.60%	2.60%
Bonds
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 5,242,000,000			$ 5,632,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of bonds	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%
Losses from extinguishment of debt						(162,000,000)
2.8% USD Notes, due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount							$ 300,000,000
Long-term debt:
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)							2.80%
4.0% USD Notes, due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount														650,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 0			$ 649,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)									4.00%	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
2.25% CHF Bonds, due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | SFr												SFr 350,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 0			$ 403,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)									2.25%	2.25%	2.25%	2.25%	2.25%	2.25%
5.625% USD Notes, due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount														$ 250,000,000
Long-term debt:
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)												5.625%	5.625%	5.625%
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											$ 1,258,000,000			1,280,000,000
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:
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)									3.375%	3.375%	3.375%	3.375%	3.375%	3.375%
0.625% EUR Instruments, due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | €										€ 700,000,000			€ 700,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 800,000,000			$ 875,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)									0.625%	0.625%	0.625%
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											$ 860,000,000			946,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)									0.75%	0.75%	0.75%
0.3% CHF Notes, due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | SFr	SFr 280,000,000								SFr 280,000,000			SFr 280,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total | SFr									SFr 306,000,000			SFr 317,000,000
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				$ 383,000,000			383,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 381,000,000			$ 381,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)							3.80%		3.80%	3.80%	3.80%	3.80%	3.80%	3.80%
Repurchase terms
Redemption period prior to their maturity			3 months
Repayment of bonds						367,000,000
1.0% CHF Notes, due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | SFr	SFr 170,000,000								SFr 170,000,000			SFr 170,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total | SFr									SFr 186,000,000			SFr 192,000,000
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				$ 609,000,000			$ 609,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total											$ 589,000,000			$ 589,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)							4.375%		4.375%	4.375%	4.375%	4.375%	4.375%	4.375%
Repurchase terms
Percentage of principal amount of bonds used in redemption calculation				100.00%	100.00%
Repayment of bonds						$ 141,000,000
0% EUR Notes, due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | €										€ 800,000,000
Long-term debt:
Total | €										€ 862,000,000
Debt nominal interest rate (as a percent)									0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Repurchase terms
Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs				€ 791,000,000	$ 960,000,000
Commercial paper program
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial paper program, capacity											$ 2,000,000,000
Commercial paper, amount outstanding											0			$ 32,000,000
Euro-commercial paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial paper program, capacity											2,000,000,000
Commercial paper, amount outstanding											0			0
Euro-commercial paper | Subsequent event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial paper program, capacity								$ 2,000,000,000
Commercial paper, amount outstanding								$ 475,000,000
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, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Provisions
Contract-related provisions	$ 762	$ 754
Restructuring and restructuring- related provisions	188	292
Provisions for contractual penalties and compliance and litigation matters	63	113
Provision for insurance-related reserves	174	176
Other	199	184
Total	1,386	1,519
Other current liabilities
Employee-related liabilities	1,547	1,467
Accrued expenses	768	650
Non-trade payables	644	622
Income taxes payable	378	395
Accrued customer rebates	322	317
Other tax liabilities	298	286
Derivative liabilities (see Note 6)	133	145
Deferred income	95	130
Pension and other employee benefits	41	42
Accrued interest	28	29
Other	113	98
Total	4,367	4,181
Other non-current liabilities:
Income tax related liabilities	1,458	1,423
Derivative liabilities (see Note 6)	130	46
Provisions for contractual penalties and compliance and litigation matters	129	120
Deferred income	74	138
Employee-related liabilities	59	70
Environmental provisions	39	38
Other	227	190
Total	$ 2,116	$ 2,025

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases
Present value of minimum finance lease payments, current	$ 27	$ 27
Present value of minimum finance lease payments, Noncurrent	$ 134	$ 160

Leases - Components of lease ex

Leases - Components of lease expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating lease cost	$ 313	$ 376	$ 369
Finance lease cost	37	29	36
Short term lease cost	40	48	48
Sub-lease income	(25)	(21)	(2)
Total lease expense	365	432	451
Land And Building [Member]
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating lease cost	240	287	268
Finance lease cost	17	13	14
Short term lease cost	26	17	19
Sub-lease income	(24)	(20)	(2)
Total lease expense	259	297	299
Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating lease cost	73	89	101
Finance lease cost	20	16	22
Short term lease cost	14	31	29
Sub-lease income	(1)	(1)	0
Total lease expense	$ 106	$ 135	$ 152

Leases - Summary of additional

Leases - Summary of additional lease expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 291	$ 346	$ 348
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new liabilities: under operating leases	353	323	205
Land And Building [Member]
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	223	263	252
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new liabilities: under operating leases	267	266	153
Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	68	83	96
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new liabilities: under operating leases	$ 86	$ 57	$ 52

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, 2021USD ($)
Land And Building [Member]
Operating Leases
2022	$ 197
2023	164
2024	134
2025	109
2026	81
Thereafter	154
Total minimum lease payments	839
Difference between undiscounted cash flows and discounted cash flows	(59)
Present value of minimum lease payments	780
Finance Leases
2022	21
2023	21
2024	19
2025	18
2026	16
Thereafter	54
Total minimum lease payments	149
Difference between undiscounted cash flows and discounted cash flows	(28)
Present value of minimum lease payments	121
Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Operating Leases
2022	71
2023	39
2024	21
2025	9
2026	1
Thereafter	1
Total minimum lease payments	142
Difference between undiscounted cash flows and discounted cash flows	(3)
Present value of minimum lease payments	139
Finance Leases
2022	15
2023	12
2024	8
2025	5
2026	1
Thereafter	0
Total minimum lease payments	41
Difference between undiscounted cash flows and discounted cash flows	(1)
Present value of minimum lease payments	$ 40

Leases - Lease terms and discou

Leases - Lease terms and discount rates (Details)	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Land And Building [Member]
Operating Lease Liabilities Payments Due [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining lease term	73 months	84 months	78 months
Weighted average discount rate	2.60%	3.00%	3.00%
Finance Lease Liabilities Payments Due [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining lease term	100 months	107 months	110 months
Weighted average discount rate	7.70%	7.70%	8.20%
Machinery And Equipment [Member]
Operating Lease Liabilities Payments Due [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining lease term	30 months	29 months	29 months
Weighted average discount rate	1.90%	2.00%	2.20%
Finance Lease Liabilities Payments Due [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining lease term	40 months	40 months	33 months
Weighted average discount rate	1.80%	2.30%	2.80%

Commitments and contingencies -

Commitments and contingencies - Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021
Contingencies - Regulatory, Compliance and Legal
Final settlement amount	$ 104
Contingencies for regulatory, compliance and legal matters
Contingencies - Regulatory, Compliance and Legal
Accrued loss contingency related to regulatory compliance and legal contingencies	$ 100	$ 104

Commitments and contingencies_2

Commitments and contingencies - Product warranty reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 01, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum potential payments		$ 4,728	$ 7,242
Additional obligations with respect to guarantee		3,600	4,300
Guarantee Obligations accrued in the consolidated balance sheet as of the reporting period		156	135
Reconciliation of Provisions for warranties including guarantees of product performance
Product warranties at beginning of period		1,035	816	$ 948
Net change in warranties due to acquisitions, divestments and liabilities held for sale		1	8	(88)
Claims paid in cash or in kind		(222)	(209)	(310)
Net increase to provision for changes in estimates, warranties issued and warranties expired		226	369	276
Exchange rate differences		(35)	51	(10)
Product warranties at end of period		1,005	1,035	$ 816
Discontinued Operations
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Additional obligations with respect to guarantee		100	300
Held for sale and discontinued operations | Power Grids business
Reconciliation of Provisions for warranties including guarantees of product performance
Divestment percentage	80.10%
Performance guarantees
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum potential payments		$ 4,540	6,726
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		$ 52	339
Indemnification guarantees
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum potential payments		136	177
High Voltage cables systems guarantees
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum potential payments		$ 911	994
High Voltage cables systems guarantees | Minimum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Original maturity of performance guarantees		5 years
High Voltage cables systems guarantees | Maximum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Original maturity of performance guarantees		10 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			143
Performance and financial | Hitachi ABB Power Grids
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum potential payments		$ 3,200	5,500
Carrying amount of liabilities		$ 136	$ 135
Performance and financial | Minimum | Hitachi ABB Power Grids
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Original maturity of performance guarantees		1 year
Performance and financial | Maximum | Hitachi ABB Power Grids
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Original maturity of performance guarantees		10 years

Income taxes - Provision, Recon

Income taxes - Provision, Reconciliation, and Deferred Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Provision for taxes
Current taxes	$ 1,346	$ 776	$ 855
Deferred taxes	(289)	(280)	(83)
Income tax expense allocated to continuing operations	1,057	496	772
Income tax expense allocated to discontinued operations	1	322	167
Reconciliation of taxes:
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 5,787	$ 841	$ 1,862
Weighted-average global tax rate (as a percent)	23.70%	22.90%	18.30%
Income taxes at weighted average tax rate	$ 1,371	$ 193	$ 341
Items taxed at rates other than the weighted-average tax rate	176	3	(7)
Unrecognized tax benefits	151	(38)	133
Changes in valuation allowance, net	(95)	29	198
Effects of changes in tax laws and enacted tax rates	1	23	$ 63
Decrease In Weighted Average Income Tax Rate			(2.00%)
Non-deductible/ non-taxable items	(542)	232	$ 44
Other, net	(5)	54	0
Income tax expense allocated to continuing operations	$ 1,057	$ 496	$ 772
Effective tax rate for the year (as a percent)	18.30%	59.00%	41.50%
Increase in deferred tax assets		$ 16	$ 17
Income tax reconciliation due to interpretation of tax law and double tax treaty agreement	$ 150	(20)	91
Non-deductible goodwill amount		82
Nondeductible expense defined benefit plans		62
Deferred tax assets:
Unused tax losses and credits	551	758
Provisions and other accrued liabilities	757	750
Other current assets incl. Receivables	104	114
Pension	338	413
Inventories	266	370
Intangible assets	1,135	901
Other	57	48
Total gross deferred tax asset	3,208	3,354
Valuation allowance	(1,263)	(1,518)	(1,632)
Total gross deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance	1,945	1,836
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	(245)	(275)
Intangible assets	(281)	(419)
Other assets	(107)	(107)
Pension	(302)	(223)
Other liabilities	(175)	(268)
Inventories	(35)	(29)
Unremitted earnings of subsidiaries	(308)	(333)
Total gross deferred tax liability	(1,453)	(1,654)
Net deferred tax asset	492	182
Included in:
"Deferred taxes"-non-current assets	1,177	843
"Deferred taxes"-non-current liabilities	(685)	(661)
Unused tax losses and credits, valuation allowance	93	170
Foreign subsidiary retained earnings permanently reinvested	100	100
Net operating loss carry-forwards, available to certain subsidiaries	2,170
Tax credits, available to certain subsidiaries	$ 69
Percent increase of weighted-average global tax rate from gains on sale of business	1.00%
Dodge [Member]
Reconciliation of taxes:
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 115	$ 96	111
Items taxed at rates other than the weighted-average tax rate	107
Divestments And Internal Reorganizations [Member]
Reconciliation of taxes:
Non-deductible/ non-taxable items	(567)
Expiration through Year 2042
Included in:
Net operating loss carry-forwards, available to certain subsidiaries	1,258
Tax credits, available to certain subsidiaries	48
Europe
Reconciliation of taxes:
Changes in valuation allowance, net	$ (82)
North America
Reconciliation of taxes:
Changes in valuation allowance, net			$ 158

Income taxes - Unrecognized tax

Income taxes - Unrecognized tax benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits, balance at beginning of period	$ 1,298	$ 1,106	$ 961
Net change due to acquisitions and divestments, Unrecognized tax benefits	16	1	11
Increase relating to prior year tax positions, Unrecognized tax benefits	240	298	202
Decrease relating to prior year tax positions, Unrecognized tax benefits	(42)	(161)	(82)
Increase relating to current year tax positions, Unrecognized tax benefits	98	390	163
Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities, Unrecognized tax benefits	(175)	(340)	(57)
Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations, Unrecognized tax benefits	(72)	(59)	(83)
Exchange rate differences, Unrecognized tax benefits	(41)	63	(9)
Unrecognized tax benefits, balance at end of period	1,322	1,298	1,106
Penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits:
Beginning balance of penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits	192	233	239
Net change due to acquisitions and divestments, penalties and interest	(6)	0	7
Increase relating to prior year tax positions, penalties and interest	58	96	85
Decrease relating to prior year tax positions, penalties and interest	(3)	(57)	(63)
Increase relating to current year tax positions, penalties and interest	7	5	6
Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities, penalties and interest	(20)	(75)	(8)
Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations, penalties and interest	(22)	(16)	(28)
Exchange rate differences, penalties and interest	(7)	6	(5)
Ending balance of penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits	199	192	233
Total unrecognized tax benefits, including penalties and interest:
Classification as unrecognized tax items at beginning	1,490	1,339	1,200
Net change due to acquisitions and divestments	10	1	18
Increase relating to prior year tax positions	298	394	287
Decrease relating to prior year tax positions	(45)	(218)	(145)
Increase relating to current year tax positions	105	395	169
Decrease due to settlements with tax authorities	(195)	(415)	(65)
Decrease as a result of the applicable statute of limitations	(94)	(75)	(111)
Exchange rate differences	(48)	69	(14)
Balance at end, which would, if recognized, affect the effective tax rate	1,521	1,490	1,339
Increase relating to current year tax positions, Unrecognized tax benefits, interpretation of tax law and double tax treaty	72	381	$ 163
Expected resolution of unrecognized tax benefit related to pending court case	63
Increases relating to current tax year positions, interpretation of tax law and double tax agreement discontinued operations		301
Increase relating to prior period tax positions, interpretation of tax law and double tax treaty agreement	240	73
Decrease relating to prior year tax positions, change of interpretation of tax law in Asia	42	85
Decrease related to prior year tax positions change tax risk assessments	$ 33	$ 59

Income taxes - Open tax years s

Income taxes - Open tax years subject to examination (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021
Europe [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open Tax Year	2015
United States [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open Tax Year	2018
Rest of Americas [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open Tax Year	2017
China [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open Tax Year	2012
Rest of Asia, Middle East and Africa [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Open Tax Year	2011

Employee benefits - Change in b

Employee benefits - Change in benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)Item	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of countries defined benefit pension risks transferred | Item		3
Number of defined benefit pension plans settled | Item		2
Defined benefit plan payment for transferred plan transaction		$ 309
Charges included in net periodic benefit cost as curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits		520
Pension charges		143
Pension obligation in discontinued operations		101
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Amounts recognized in AOCI attributable to Noncontrolling interests	$ 0	1	$ 1
Defined pension benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at January 1	8,742
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	8,576	8,742
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Net actuarial (loss) gain	(1,540)	(2,038)	(2,782)
Prior service credit	72	75	59
Amount recognized in OCI and NCI	(1,468)	(1,963)	(2,723)
Taxes associated with amount recognized in OCI and NCI	352	374	536
Amount recognized in OCI and NCI, net of tax	(1,116)	(1,589)	(2,187)
Defined pension benefits | Switzerland
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligations at January 1	3,870	4,308
Service cost	61	74	76
Interest cost		6	15
Interest cost	(5)
Contributions by plan participants	36	72
Benefit payments	(130)	(160)
Settlements	(124)	(101)
Benefit obligations of businesses acquired (divested)	0	(765)
Actuarial (gain) loss	(140)	71
Plan amendments and other	0	0
Exchange rate differences	(134)	365
Benefit obligation at December 31	3,434	3,870	4,308
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at January 1	4,133	4,189
Actual return on plan assets	279	191
Contributions by employer	63	228
Contributions by plan participants	36	72
Benefit payments	(130)	(160)
Settlements	(124)	(101)
Plan assets of businesses acquired (divested)	0	(664)
Plan amendments and other	0	0
Exchange rate differences	(144)	378
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	4,113	4,133	4,189
Funded status-overfunded (underfunded)	679	263
Defined pension benefits | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligations at January 1	5,527	7,878
Service cost	47	92	113
Interest cost	72	111	174
Contributions by plan participants	8	12
Benefit payments	(207)	(295)
Settlements	(84)	(2,542)
Benefit obligations of businesses acquired (divested)	(46)	(165)
Actuarial (gain) loss	(15)	214
Plan amendments and other	13	(64)
Exchange rate differences	(200)	286
Benefit obligation at December 31	5,115	5,527	7,878
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at January 1	4,608	6,246
Actual return on plan assets	197	375
Contributions by employer	124	611
Contributions by plan participants	8	12
Benefit payments	(207)	(295)
Settlements	(84)	(2,542)
Plan assets of businesses acquired (divested)	(50)	(82)
Plan amendments and other	14	62
Exchange rate differences	(147)	221
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	4,463	4,608	6,246
Funded status-overfunded (underfunded)	(652)	(919)
Other postretirement benefits
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Net actuarial (loss) gain	21	21	28
Prior service credit	7	11	13
Amount recognized in OCI and NCI	28	32	41
Amount recognized in OCI and NCI, net of tax	28	32	41
Other postretirement benefits | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligations at January 1	98	110
Service cost	1	1	1
Interest cost	2	3	4
Contributions by plan participants	0	0
Benefit payments	(9)	(12)
Settlements	0	0
Benefit obligations of businesses acquired (divested)	(11)	(5)
Actuarial (gain) loss	(8)	4
Plan amendments and other	(2)	(3)
Exchange rate differences	0	0
Benefit obligation at December 31	71	98	110
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at January 1	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Contributions by employer	9	12
Contributions by plan participants	0	0
Benefit payments	(9)	(12)
Settlements	0	0
Plan assets of businesses acquired (divested)	0	0
Plan amendments and other	0	0
Exchange rate differences	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at December 31	0	0	$ 0
Funded status-overfunded (underfunded)	$ (71)	$ (98)

Employee benefits - Balance she

Employee benefits - Balance sheet location and funded status (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Underfunded plans-Current	$ (41)	$ (42)
Underfunded plans-Noncurrent	(1,025)	(1,231)
Pension and other employee benefits	892	360
Current liabilities.
Other employee-related benefits, Current	(8)	(11)
Pension and other employee benefits, Current	(41)	(42)
Non-current liabilities
Other employee-related benefits, Noncurrent	(122)	(149)
Pension and other employee benefits, Noncurrent	(1,025)	(1,231)
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
ABO	8,452	9,310
Switzerland | PBO exceeds fair value of plan assets
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
PBO	12	13
ABO	12	13
Fair value of plan assets	8	9
Switzerland | ABO exceeds fair value of plan assets
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
PBO	12	13
ABO	12	13
Fair value of plan assets	8	9
International | PBO exceeds fair value of plan assets
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
PBO	2,994	5,131
ABO	2,917	5,056
Fair value of plan assets	2,133	4,120
International | ABO exceeds fair value of plan assets
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
PBO	2,979	5,008
ABO	2,905	4,942
Fair value of plan assets	2,119	4,004
Defined pension benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Pension and other employee benefits	891	359
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	8,576	8,742
Defined pension benefits | Underfunded Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Underfunded plans-Current	(23)	(22)
Underfunded plans-Noncurrent	(841)	(993)
Defined pension benefits | Switzerland
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Funded status-overfunded (underfunded)	679	263
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
PBO	3,434	3,870	$ 4,308
Fair value of plan assets	4,113	4,133	4,189
Defined pension benefits | Switzerland | Overfunded Plan
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	683	267
Defined pension benefits | Switzerland | Underfunded Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Underfunded plans-Current	0	0
Underfunded plans-Noncurrent	(4)	(4)
Defined pension benefits | International
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Funded status-overfunded (underfunded)	(652)	(919)
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
PBO	5,115	5,527	7,878
Fair value of plan assets	4,463	4,608	6,246
Defined pension benefits | International | Overfunded Plan
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
Fair value of plan assets	208	92
Defined pension benefits | International | Underfunded Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Underfunded plans-Current	(23)	(22)
Underfunded plans-Noncurrent	(837)	(989)
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	(10)	(9)
Underfunded plans-Noncurrent	(62)	(89)
Other postretirement benefits | International
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Funded status-overfunded (underfunded)	(71)	(98)
Funded status, difference of benefit obligation and plan assets
PBO	71	98	110
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	$ 0
Other postretirement benefits | International | Underfunded Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Underfunded plans-Current	(7)	(9)
Underfunded plans-Noncurrent	$ (64)	$ (89)

Employee benefits - Net periodi

Employee benefits - Net periodic benefit costs and assumptions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Net periodic benefit cost:
Non-operational pension cost (credit)	$ (166)	$ 401	$ (72)
Discontinued Operations
Net periodic benefit cost:
Net periodic benefit cost		121	47
Defined pension benefits | Switzerland
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	61	74	76
Operational pension cost	61	74	76
Interest cost	(5)
Interest cost		6	15
Expected return on plan assets	(116)	(123)	(112)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(9)	(11)	(14)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	0	7	0
Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits	1	6	11
Non-operational pension cost (credit)	(129)	(115)	(100)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (68)	$ (41)	$ (24)
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	0.20%	0.00%
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)	0.00%	0.30%	0.80%
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	$ 47	$ 92	$ 113
Operational pension cost	47	92	113
Interest cost	72	111	174
Expected return on plan assets	(178)	(253)	(276)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(2)	2	2
Amortization of net actuarial loss	67	109	108
Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits	7	644	27
Non-operational pension cost (credit)	(34)	613	35
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 13	$ 705	$ 148
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	2.10%	1.60%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	1.50%	1.00%
Rate of pension increase (as a percent)	1.70%	1.40%
Cash balance interest credit rate (as a percent)	2.10%	2.10%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine the Net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate (as a percent)	1.60%	1.90%	2.80%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	4.00%	4.30%	4.90%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	1.00%	2.20%	2.40%
Cash balance interest credit rate (as a percent)	2.10%	1.60%	1.60%
Other postretirement benefits
Non-pension postretirement benefit plans, participant contributions
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year (as a percent)	5.10%	5.90%
Rate to which the trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate), (as a percent)	4.50%	4.90%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2026	2028
Other postretirement benefits | International
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Operational pension cost	1	1	1
Interest cost	2	3	4
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(3)	(2)	(5)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(2)	(3)	(3)
Curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits	0	0	(10)
Non-operational pension cost (credit)	(3)	(2)	(14)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (2)	$ (1)	$ (13)
Weighted-average assumptions to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	2.60%	2.10%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	0.30%	0.20%
Weighted-average assumptions to determine the Net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate (as a percent)	2.10%	2.80%	3.90%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	0.20%	0.20%	0.20%

Employee benefits - Target asse

Employee benefits - Target asset allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected long-term return on global asset allocation (as a percent)	3.40%
Company's capital stock and debit instruments included in plan assets	$ 8	$ 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)	15.00%
Equity securities | International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	15.00%
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)	72.00%
Real estate | Switzerland
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	26.00%
Real estate | International
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target asset allocation (as a percent)	4.00%
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)	9.00%

Employee benefits - Fair value

Employee benefits - Fair value of plan assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Private equity
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Total unfunded commitments	$ 125	$ 115
Defined pension benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	8,576	8,742
Defined pension benefits | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	125	185
Defined pension benefits | Mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	1,049	1,298
Defined pension benefits | Emerging market mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	218	243
Defined pension benefits | Government and corporate securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	1,680	1,804
Defined pension benefits | Government and corporate mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	3,121	2,876
Defined pension benefits | Emerging market bonds - mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	428	547
Defined pension benefits | Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	1,326	1,289
Defined pension benefits | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	74	50
Defined pension benefits | Cash and short-term investments
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	233	293
Defined pension benefits | Private equity
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	322	156
Defined pension benefits | Hedge funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets		1
Defined pension benefits | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	513	672
Defined pension benefits | Level 1 | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	124	180
Defined pension benefits | Level 1 | Government and corporate securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	314	389
Defined pension benefits | Level 1 | Cash and short-term investments
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	75	103
Defined pension benefits | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	6,480	6,624
Defined pension benefits | Level 2 | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	1	5
Defined pension benefits | Level 2 | Mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	1,049	1,298
Defined pension benefits | Level 2 | Emerging market mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	218	243
Defined pension benefits | Level 2 | Government and corporate securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	1,366	1,415
Defined pension benefits | Level 2 | Government and corporate mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	3,121	2,876
Defined pension benefits | Level 2 | Emerging market bonds - mutual funds/commingled funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	428	547
Defined pension benefits | Level 2 | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	74	50
Defined pension benefits | Level 2 | Cash and short-term investments
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	158	190
Defined pension benefits | Not subject to leveling
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	1,583	1,446
Defined pension benefits | Not subject to leveling | Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	1,326	1,289
Defined pension benefits | Not subject to leveling | Private equity
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets	$ 257	156
Defined pension benefits | Not subject to leveling | Hedge funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Assets		$ 1

Employee benefits - Contributio

Employee benefits - Contributions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Contributions
Contributions by employer, noncash, next fiscal year	$ 5
Expense of defined contribution plans	278	$ 205	$ 190
Defined pension benefits
Contributions
Contributions by employer, noncash	53	224
Estimated contribution by employer, next fiscal year	108
Defined pension benefits | Switzerland
Contributions
Total contributions to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans	63	228
Of which, discretionary contributions to defined benefit pension plans	0	152
Expected future cash flows in respect of pension and other postretirement benefit plans
2021	256
2022	241
2023	226
2024	220
2025	213
Years 2026-2030	977
Defined pension benefits | International
Contributions
Total contributions to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans	124	611
Of which, discretionary contributions to defined benefit pension plans	61	520
Expected future cash flows in respect of pension and other postretirement benefit plans
2021	265
2022	257
2023	255
2024	256
2025	259
Years 2026-2030	1,299
Other postretirement benefits
Contributions
Estimated contribution by employer, next fiscal year	7
Other postretirement benefits | International
Contributions
Total contributions to defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans	9	12
Of which, discretionary contributions to defined benefit pension plans	0	$ 0
Expected future cash flows in respect of pension and other postretirement benefit plans
2021	7
2022	7
2023	6
2024	6
2025	5
Years 2026-2030	$ 22

Share-based payment arrangeme_3

Share-based payment arrangements - General and MIP (Details) SFr / shares in Units, shares in Millions, SFr in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2021CHF (SFr)SFr / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2020SFr / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019SFr / shares	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of share-based payment plans	3
Share-based payment arrangements | $	$ 59,000,000		$ 44,000,000		$ 46,000,000
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)		23					23
Treasury stock (in shares)		95	137	137			95
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%
Dividend yield (as a percent)					4.70%
Expected term					6 years
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)					(0.90%)
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at beginning	336.1
Number of shares Forfeited	(1.7)
Number of options Exercised	(160)
Number of shares outstanding at end	174.4		336.1
Number of options Vested and expected to vest at end of period		174.4					174.4
Number of shares exercisable, vested and expected to vest		158.5					158.5
Weighted-average exercise price, Outstanding at beginning of period (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 21.16
Weighted-average exercise price, Forfeited (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		20.31
Weighted-average exercise price, Exercised (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		20.25
Weighted-average exercise price, Outstanding at end of period (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		22		SFr 21.16
Weighted-average exercise price, Vested and expected to vest (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		22
Weighted-average exercise price, Exercisable (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 22.30
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	2 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Vested and expected to vest	2 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Exercisable	2 years 3 months 18 days
Conversion ratio	5
Options outstanding, Intrinsic value | SFr		SFr 450
Vested and expected to vest, Aggregate intrinsic value | SFr		SFr 450
Cash received upon exercise of options and warrants | $	$ 693,000,000
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of warrants and options (per instrument) | SFr / shares						SFr 0.34
Aggregate intrinsic value of instruments exercised | $	$ 313,000,000		$ 38,000,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of instruments exercisable | $							$ 400,000,000
Options conversion with ratio of 5:1 [Member]
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at beginning	67.2
Number of shares Forfeited	(0.3)
Number of options Exercised	(32)
Number of shares outstanding at end	34.9		67.2
Number of options Vested and expected to vest at end of period		34.9					34.9
Number of shares exercisable, vested and expected to vest		31.7					31.7
Exercise price of 21.00 | Options
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at end	9.3
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	8 months 12 days
Exercise price (in Swiss francs) | SFr / shares		21.50
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	1.9
Exercise price of 19.50 | 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	1 year 7 months 6 days
Exercise price (in Swiss francs) | SFr / shares		22.50
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	12.7
Exercise price of 21.50 | Options
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at end	61.6
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	2 years 8 months 12 days
Exercise price (in Swiss francs) | SFr / shares		23.50
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	12.3
Exercise price of 22.50 | Options
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at end	40.1
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Outstanding	3 years 8 months 12 days
Exercise price (in Swiss francs) | SFr / shares		19
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	8

Share-based payment arrangeme_4

Share-based payment arrangements - WARs (Details) - WARs - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Aggregate fair value of outstanding WARs	$ 29	$ 21
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangements.
Beginning of period (in number of shares)	22,100,000
Granted (in number of WARs)	0
Exercised (in number of WARs)	(12,600,000)
Forfeited (in number of WARs)	(100,000)
End of period (in number of shares)	9,400,000	22,100,000
Exercisable (in number of WARs)	3,800,000
Share-based liabilities paid upon exercise of WARs	$ 25	$ 13

Share-based payment arrangeme_5

Share-based payment arrangements - ESAP (Details) - ESAP SFr / shares in Units, $ / shares in Units, SFr in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2021CHF (SFr)SFr / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2020$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2020SFr / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2019$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019SFr / 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)	20.00%		24.00%	24.00%	18.00%	18.00%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	2.90%		3.80%	3.80%	4.10%	4.10%
Expected term	1 year		1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	(0.60%)		(0.70%)	(0.70%)	(0.70%)	(0.70%)
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangement
Number of shares outstanding at beginning | shares	2,100,000
Number of shares Granted | shares	1,800,000
Number of shares Forfeited | shares	(100,000)
Number of options Exercised | shares	(1,700,000)
Number of shares not exercised (savings returned plus interest) | shares	(300,000)
Number of shares outstanding at end | shares	1,800,000		2,100,000	2,100,000
Number of shares vested and expected to vest | shares		1,700,000
Number of shares exercisable, vested and expected to vest | shares		0
Weighted-average exercise price, Outstanding at beginning of period (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 22.87
Weighted-average exercise price, Granted (in Swiss francs per share) | (per share)	$ 33.35	30.32	$ 24.93	SFr 22.87	$ 20.17	SFr 20.78
Weighted-average exercise price, Forfeited (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		22.87
Weighted-average exercise price, Exercised (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 22.87
Weighted-average exercise price, Not exercised (savings returned plus interest) (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		22.87
Weighted-average exercise price, Outstanding at end of period (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 30.32		22.87
Weighted-average exercise price, Vested and expected to vest (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		30.32
Weighted-average exercise price, Vested and expected to vest, Exercisable (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		SFr 0
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 8.3
Vested and expected to vest, Aggregate intrinsic value | SFr		7.9
Vested and expected to vest, Exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value | SFr		SFr 0
Aggregate intrinsic value of instruments exercised | $	$ 14
Cash received upon exercise of options and warrants | $	$ 42
Weighted-average grant-date fair value (per option) | SFr / shares		SFr 1.96		SFr 1.67		SFr 1.05

Share-based payment arrangeme_6

Share-based payment arrangements - LTIP (Details) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)SFr / shares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2020SFr / shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019SFr / shares
Restricted shares
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangements.
Vesting period	3 years
LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Service condition period for eligibility	3 years
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangements.
Unrecognized compensation cost at end of period | $	$ 59	$ 59
Weighted average period over which unrecognized share-based compensation costs are expected to be reported	2 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	0.9
Vested (in number of shares) | shares	(0.4)
Forfeited (in number of shares) | shares	(0.3)
End of period (in number of shares) | shares	1.5		1.3
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares Nonvested at beginning of period (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		$ 12.76
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares Granted (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		38.92		SFr 10.50		SFr 15.94
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares Vested (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		25.78
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares Forfeited (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		19.82
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares Nonvested at end of period (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		23.23		12.76
Aggregate fair value of shares, at the dates of grant | $	$ 37				$ 18
Grant-date fair value of shares vested | $					$ 21
LTIP | Restricted shares
Summary of the activity related to share-based compensation arrangements.
Beginning of period (in number of shares) | shares	1.2
Granted (in number of shares) | shares	0.9
Forfeited (in number of shares) | shares	(0.1)
End of period (in number of shares) | shares	2		1.2
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares Nonvested at beginning of period (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		15.80
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares Granted (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		26.39		15.76
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares Forfeited (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		18.09
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares Nonvested at end of period (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares		$ 20.61		SFr 15.80
Aggregate fair value of shares, at the dates of grant | $	$ 26		$ 22
LTIP 2019 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 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%
TSR component of LTIP
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%
EPS component of LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period of weighted cumulative earnings per share performance	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%
LTIP 2021 and 2020 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%

Stockholders' equity - General

Stockholders' equity - General and dividends (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)$ / shares	Jul. 31, 2020shares	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020SFr / shares	May 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019SFr / shares	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Equity
Company's authorized shares							2,557,000,000	2,672,000,000
Company's registered and issued shares							2,053,000,000	2,168,000,000
Distribution declared to ABB Ltd's shareholders (in Swiss francs per share) | (per share)	$ 0.80			SFr 0.80		SFr 0.80
Distribution to ABB Ltd's shareholders | $	$ 1,730		$ 1,758		$ 1,675		$ 1,730	$ 1,758	$ 1,675
Percent of share capital intended to purchase		10.00%
Additional Maximum Share Intended On Purchasing		180,000,000
Retained earnings
Equity
Distribution to ABB Ltd's shareholders | $							$ 1,730	$ 1,758	$ 1,675

Stockholders' equity - Treasury

Stockholders' equity - Treasury stock activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended		18 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2021
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased/cancelled	20,000,000		129,000,000
Value of shares repurchased	$ 3,682	$ 3,181	$ 3,500
Treasury stock (in shares)	95,000,000	137,000,000	95,000,000
Cancellation of treasury shares (in shares)	115,000,000
Value of shares cancelled under the buyback program	$ 3,157
Increase (decrease) in treasury shares	$ 628
Open market stock repurchases
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased/cancelled	33,000,000	13,000,000
Value of shares repurchased	$ 1,032	$ 346
Share buyback program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased/cancelled		109,000,000
Value of shares repurchased		$ 2,835
Follow-up share buyback program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased/cancelled	59,000,000
Value of shares repurchased	$ 2,022
Authorized amount of share buyback program	$ 4,300		$ 4,300

Stockholders' equity - Obligati

Stockholders' equity - Obligations to deliver (Details) SFr / shares in Units, SFr in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			18 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2022SFr / shares	Feb. 23, 2022USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2021CHF (SFr)SFr / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2020shares	Dec. 31, 2019shares	Dec. 31, 2021CHF (SFr)SFr / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)shares
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Call options held by bank (in shares)			5,400,000			5,400,000	5,400,000
Call options held by the bank, weighted-average strike price (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares			SFr 21.93
Call options held by bank, exercisable (in shares)			3,500,000			3,500,000	3,500,000
Call options held by the bank, exercisable, weighted-average strike price (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares			SFr 22.64
Shares repurchased/cancelled			20,000,000			129,000,000
Cancellation of treasury shares (in shares)			115,000,000
Subsequent event
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Proposed distribution (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares	SFr 0.82
Subsequent event | Buyback program
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Shares repurchased, shares		21,000,000
Shares repurchased, value | $		$ 735
Subsequent event | Open market
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Shares repurchased, shares		9,000,000
Shares repurchased, value | $		$ 326
Minimum
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Call options held by the bank, strike price (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares			SFr 19			SFr 19
Call options held by the bank, exercisable, strike price (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares			19			19
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			23.50
Call options held by the bank, exercisable, strike price (in Swiss francs per share) | SFr / shares			SFr 23.50			SFr 23.50
ABB Ltd (unconsolidated)
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Total statutory stockholders' equity			SFr 6,837			SFr 6,837	$ 7,490
Share capital of ABB Ltd, Zurich			246			246	270
Reserves of ABB Ltd, Zurich			9,443			9,443	10,345
Restricted legal reserves for own shares of ABB Ltd, Zurich			2,853			2,853	3,125
Share capital restricted and not available for distribution			SFr 49			SFr 49	$ 54
Percentage of share capital restricted			20.00%			20.00%	20.00%
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			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)			2,000,000			2,000,000	2,000,000
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			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)			13,000,000			13,000,000	13,000,000
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			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)			12,000,000			12,000,000	12,000,000
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			SFr 19
Options under 2019 launch of MIP | Maximum
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Outstanding obligation of options granted (in shares)			8,000,000			8,000,000	8,000,000
ESAP
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Shares issued from treasury stock (in shares)			1,700,000	1,400,000	500,000
ESAP | Maximum
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Outstanding obligation of options granted (in shares)			2,000,000			2,000,000	2,000,000
Other share-based payment arrangements | Maximum
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Outstanding obligation of options and shares granted (in shares)			1,000,000			1,000,000	1,000,000
MIP
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Shares issued relating to call options (in shares)			36,000,000	17,000,000
LTIP 2021, 2020 and 2019 Launches
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Outstanding obligation of shares granted (in shares)			8,000,000			8,000,000	8,000,000

Earnings per share (Details)

Earnings per share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings per share
Shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share	0	79,000,000	93,000,000
Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	$ 4,625	$ 294	$ 1,043
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(79)	4,852	396
Net income attributable to ABB	$ 4,546	$ 5,146	$ 1,439
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in shares)	2,001,000,000	2,111,000,000	2,133,000,000
Income from continuing operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	$ 2.31	$ 0.14	$ 0.49
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	(0.04)	2.30	0.19
Net income (in dollars per share)	$ 2.27	$ 2.44	$ 0.67
Amounts attributable to ABB shareholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	$ 4,625	$ 294	$ 1,043
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(79)	4,852	396
Net income attributable to ABB	$ 4,546	$ 5,146	$ 1,439
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in shares)	2,001,000,000	2,111,000,000	2,133,000,000
Effect of dilutive securities:
Call options and shares	18,000,000	8,000,000	2,000,000
Adjusted weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in shares)	2,019,000,000	2,119,000,000	2,135,000,000
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	$ 2.29	$ 0.14	$ 0.49
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	(0.04)	2.29	0.19
Net income (in dollars per share)	$ 2.25	$ 2.43	$ 0.67

Other comprehensive income - Am

Other comprehensive income - Amounts recorded within "Total other comprehensive income (loss)" (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	$ (521)	$ 500	$ (130)
Changes attributable to divestments, before tax	(9)	519	(2)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	(530)	1,019	(132)
Available-for-sale securities, before tax
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year, before tax	(13)	31	16
Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income, before tax	(6)	(18)	1
Changes attributable to divestments	0	(3)
Net change during the year	(19)	10	17
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Prior service (costs) credits arising during the year, before tax	2	55	3
Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the year, before tax	437	(243)	(293)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) included in net income, before tax	(14)	(11)	(25)
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income, before tax	65	113	99
Net losses from pension settlements included in net income, before tax	7	650	38
Changes attributable to divestments, before tax	(8)	186	0
Net change during the year	489	750	(178)
Cash flow hedge derivatives, before tax
Net gains (losses) arising during the year, before tax	7	2	20
Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income, before tax	(13)	(2)	(9)
Net change during the year	(6)	0	11
Total other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	(66)	1,779	(282)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax effect
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax effect	0	(2)	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax effect	0	(2)	0
Available-for-sale securities, tax effect
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year, tax effect	3	(7)	2
Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income	1	(4)	1
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, tax effect	4	(3)	(3)
Pension and other postretirement plans, tax effect
Prior service (costs) credits arising during the year, tax effect	(2)	(12)	3
Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the year, tax effect	(26)	43	73
Amortization of prior service cost included in net income, tax effect	0	0	(3)
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income, tax effect	4	(25)	(31)
Net losses from settlements and curtailments included in net income, tax effect	0	(132)	(6)
Changes attributable to divestments, tax effect	2	(35)	0
Net change during the year	(22)	(161)	36
Cash flow hedge derivatives, tax effect
Net gains (losses) arising during the year, tax effect	(1)	0	0
Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income, tax effect	0	2	0
Net change during year, tax effect	1	2	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss), tax effect	(17)	(164)	33
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(521)	498	(130)
Changes attributable to divestments	(9)	519	(2)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(530)	1,017	(132)
Available-for-sale securities, net of tax
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year, net of tax	(10)	24	14
Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income	(5)	(14)	0
Changes attributable to divestments	0	(3)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	(15)	7	14
Pension and other postretirement plans, net of tax
Prior service credits arising during the year	0	43	6
Net actuarial gains (losses) arising during the year	411	(200)	(220)
Amortization of prior service credit included in net income	(14)	(11)	(28)
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income	69	88	68
Net (gains) losses from settlements and curtailments included in net income	7	518	32
Changes attributable to divestments, net of tax	(6)	151	0
Net change, net of tax	467	589	(142)
Cash flow hedge derivatives, net of tax
Net unrealized gains arising during the year	8	2	20
Reclassification adjustments for net (gains) losses included in net income	(13)	0	(9)
Unrealized gains (losses) of cash flow hedge derivatives	(5)	2	11
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ (83)	$ 1,615	$ (249)

Other comprehensive income - Ch

Other comprehensive income - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Changes in component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ (4,002)	$ (5,590)	$ (5,311)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(112)	367	(310)
Amounts reclassified from OCI	29	1,248	61
Total other comprehensive income (loss) income	(83)	1,615	(249)
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	4	27	(6)
Balance at the end of the period	(4,088)	(4,002)	(5,590)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles
Changes in component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Balance at the beginning of the period			(36)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Changes in component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Balance at the beginning of the period	(2,460)	(3,450)	(3,324)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(521)	498	(130)
Amounts reclassified from OCI	(9)	519	(2)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) income	(530)	1,017	(132)
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	4	27	(6)
Balance at the end of the period	(2,993)	(2,460)	(3,450)
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	17	10	(4)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(10)	24	14
Amounts reclassified from OCI	(5)	(17)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) income	(15)	7	14
Balance at the end of the period	2	17	10
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	(1,556)	(2,145)	(1,967)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	411	(157)	(214)
Amounts reclassified from OCI	56	746	72
Total other comprehensive income (loss) income	467	589	(142)
Balance at the end of the period	(1,089)	(1,556)	(2,145)
Pension and other post-retirement plan adjustments | Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles
Changes in component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Balance at the beginning of the period			(36)
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	(3)	(5)	(16)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	8	2	20
Amounts reclassified from OCI	(13)		(9)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) income	(5)	2	11
Balance at the end of the period	$ (8)	$ (3)	$ (5)

Other comprehensive income - Re

Other comprehensive income - Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Changes attributable to divestments	$ (2,193)	$ 2	$ (55)
Non-operational pension (cost) credit	166	(401)	72
Income from continuing operations before taxes	5,787	841	1,862
Tax	(1,057)	(496)	(772)
Changes in tax attributable to divestments	(80)	4,860	438
Net income	4,650	5,205	1,528
Amounts reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss"
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Changes attributable to divestments		94	6
Changes in tax attributable to divestments		(35)
Amounts reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" | Other divestments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Changes in tax attributable to divestments	2
Amounts reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" | Power Grids business
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Changes in tax attributable to divestments		(35)
Foreign currency translation adjustments | Amounts reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss"
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Changes attributable to divestments	(9)	519	(2)
Foreign currency translation adjustments | Amounts reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" | Solar Inverters business
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Changes attributable to divestments		99
Foreign currency translation adjustments | Amounts reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" | Other divestments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Changes attributable to divestments	(9)		(2)
Foreign currency translation adjustments | Amounts reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" | Power Grids business
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Changes attributable to divestments		420
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]
Income from continuing operations before taxes	50	938	112
Tax	4	(157)	(40)
Net income	56	746	72
Pension and other post-retirement plan adjustments | Amounts reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" | Other divestments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Changes attributable to divestments	(8)
Pension and other post-retirement plan adjustments | Amounts reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" | Power Grids business
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Changes attributable to divestments		186
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	(14)	(11)	(25)
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	65	113	99
Net losses from pension and curtailments | Amounts reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss"
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Non-operational pension (cost) credit	$ 7	$ 650	$ 38

Restructuring and related exp_3

Restructuring and related expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Contract settlements | Maximum
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Total expected costs		$ 200
Contract settlements | Minimum
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Total expected costs		150
OS Program
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Liability at beginning of period		123	$ 99	$ 65	$ 0
Expenses			136	112	65
Cash payments		(68)	(106)	(45)
Changes in estimates			(10)	(30)
Exchange rate differences		(6)	4	(3)
Liability at end of period	$ 65	53	123	99	65
Term of program (in years)	2 years
Costs incurred in		4	149	89
Cumulative costs incurred			303
OS Program | Total cost of sales
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in			38	8
OS Program | Selling, general and administrative expenses
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in			37	46
OS Program | Non-order related research and development expenses
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in			4	1
OS Program | Other income (expense), net.
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in			70	34
OS Program | Employee severance costs
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Liability at beginning of period		121	99	65	0
Expenses			119	111	65
Cash payments		(65)	(91)	(44)
Changes in estimates			(10)	(30)
Exchange rate differences		(6)	4	(3)
Liability at end of period	$ 65	52	121	99	$ 65
Costs incurred in		2	109	81
Cumulative costs incurred			255
OS Program | Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Liability at beginning of period		2	0
Expenses			17	1
Cash payments		(3)	(15)	(1)
Exchange rate differences			0
Liability at end of period		1	2	0
Costs incurred in		2	17	1
Cumulative costs incurred			18
OS Program | Inventory and long-lived asset impairments
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in			23	7
Cumulative costs incurred			30
OS Program | Electrification
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in			35	18
Cumulative costs incurred			85
OS Program | Process Automation
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in			37	3
Cumulative costs incurred			61
OS Program | Motion
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in			18	6
Cumulative costs incurred			25
OS Program | Robotics & Discrete Automation
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in			10	8
Cumulative costs incurred			18
OS Program | Corporate and Other
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in			49	54
Cumulative costs incurred			114
Other restructuring-related activities
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Liability at beginning of period		233
Liability at end of period		212	233
Costs incurred in		156	194	114
Other restructuring-related activities | Total cost of sales
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		71	95	46
Other restructuring-related activities | Selling, general and administrative expenses
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		21	50	4
Other restructuring-related activities | Non-order related research and development expenses
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		2	10	0
Other restructuring-related activities | Other income (expense), net.
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		62	39	64
Other restructuring-related activities | Employee severance costs
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		101	164	55
Other restructuring-related activities | Estimated contract settlement, loss order and other costs
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		31	18	37
Other restructuring-related activities | Inventory and long-lived asset impairments
Liabilities associated with reorganization.
Costs incurred in		$ 24	$ 12	$ 22

Operating segment and geograp_3

Operating segment and geographic data - Schedule of Segment revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 28,945	$ 26,134	$ 27,978
Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	28,945	26,026	27,765
Intersegment elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	108	213
Products | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	19,920	17,942	18,756
Systems | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	3,825	3,164	3,586
Services and software | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	5,200	4,920	5,423
Europe | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	10,529	9,708	10,004
The Americas | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	8,686	7,936	8,919
Asia, Middle East and Africa | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	9,730	8,382	8,842
United States | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	6,397	6,019	6,735
China | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	4,932	4,091	4,039
Electrification
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	13,187	11,924	12,728
Electrification | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	12,957	11,564	12,272
Electrification | Intersegment elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	230	360	456
Electrification | Products | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	10,706	9,951	10,315
Electrification | Systems | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,367	743	958
Electrification | Services and software | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	884	870	999
Electrification | Europe | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	4,517	4,008	4,039
Electrification | The Americas | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	4,465	4,050	4,568
Electrification | Asia, Middle East and Africa | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	3,975	3,506	3,665
Electrification | United States | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	3,304	3,093	3,522
Electrification | China | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	2,087	1,820	1,729
Motion
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	6,925	6,409	6,533
Motion | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	6,472	5,914	6,021
Motion | Intersegment elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	453	495	512
Motion | Products | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	5,555	5,040	5,152
Motion | Systems | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0
Motion | Services and software | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	917	874	869
Motion | Europe | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	2,015	1,934	1,879
Motion | The Americas | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	2,346	2,173	2,315
Motion | Asia, Middle East and Africa | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	2,111	1,807	1,827
Motion | United States | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,952	1,846	1,972
Motion | China | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,156	926	876
Process Automation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	6,259	5,792	6,273
Process Automation | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	6,214	5,681	6,151
Process Automation | Intersegment elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	45	111	122
Process Automation | Products | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,496	1,263	1,439
Process Automation | Systems | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,802	1,665	1,648
Process Automation | Services and software | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	2,916	2,753	3,064
Process Automation | Europe | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	2,416	2,322	2,416
Process Automation | The Americas | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,431	1,321	1,582
Process Automation | Asia, Middle East and Africa | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	2,367	2,038	2,153
Process Automation | United States | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	833	805	948
Process Automation | China | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	740	628	608
Robotics & Discrete Automation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	3,297	2,907	3,314
Robotics & Discrete Automation | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	3,287	2,838	3,244
Robotics & Discrete Automation | Intersegment elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	10	69	70
Robotics & Discrete Automation | Products | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	2,159	1,635	1,785
Robotics & Discrete Automation | Systems | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	645	780	968
Robotics & Discrete Automation | Services and software | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	483	423	491
Robotics & Discrete Automation | Europe | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,578	1,429	1,634
Robotics & Discrete Automation | The Americas | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	439	385	453
Robotics & Discrete Automation | Asia, Middle East and Africa | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,270	1,024	1,157
Robotics & Discrete Automation | United States | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	308	270	290
Robotics & Discrete Automation | China | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	949	714	825
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	(723)	(898)	(870)
Corporate and Other | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	15	29	77
Corporate and Other | Intersegment elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	(738)	(927)	(947)
Corporate and Other | Products | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	4	53	65
Corporate and Other | Systems | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	11	(24)	12
Corporate and Other | Services and software | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue			0
Corporate and Other | Europe | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	3	15	36
Corporate and Other | The Americas | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	5	7	1
Corporate and Other | Asia, Middle East and Africa | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	7	7	40
Corporate and Other | United States | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	5	3
Corporate and Other | China | Operating
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 0	$ 3	$ 1
Revenue | Excludes Switzerland | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member]
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 - Schedule of operational EBITA reconciliations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operational EBITA:	$ 4,122	$ 2,899	$ 3,107
Acquisition-related amortization	(250)	(263)	(265)
Restructuring, related and implementation costs	(160)	(410)	(300)
Changes in obligations related to divested businesses	(9)	(218)	(36)
Changes in pre-acquisition estimates	6	(11)	(22)
Gains and losses from sale of business	2,193	(2)	55
Fair value adjustment on assets and liabilities held for sale	0	(33)	(421)
Acquisition- and divestment-related expenses and integration costs	(132)	(74)	(121)
Other income/expenses relating to the Power Grids joint venture	(34)	(20)
Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations: Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives (foreign exchange, commodities, embedded derivatives)	(54)	67	20
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	(2)	26	8
Foreign exchange/commodity timing differences in income from operations: Unrealized foreign exchange movements on receivables/payables (and related assets/liabilities)	20	(33)	(7)
Costs for divestment of Power Grids		(86)	(141)
Regulatory, compliance and legal costs		(7)	(7)
Business transformation costs	(92)	(37)	(19)
Executive committee transition costs	(3)	(1)	(14)
Favorable resolution of an uncertain purchase price adjustment	6	36	92
Gain on sale of investments			15
Certain other fair value changes including asset impairments	119	(239)	(4)
Other non-operational items	(12)	(1)	(2)
Income from operations	5,718	1,593	1,938
Interest and dividend income	51	51	67
Interest and other finance expense	(148)	(240)	(215)
Losses from extinguishment of debt	0	(162)	0
Non-operational pension (cost) credit	166	(401)	72
Income from continuing operations before taxes	5,787	841	1,862
Goodwill impairment charges	0	311	0
O S Program [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring, related and implementation costs		(67)	(97)
ABB Way [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business transformation costs	(80)
Robotics & Discrete Automation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment charges		290
Intersegment elimination | Non-Core and divested businesses
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operational EBITA:	(39)	(133)	(145)
Intersegment elimination | Stranded corporate costs
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operational EBITA:		(40)	(225)
Intersegment elimination | Corporate costs and other intersegment elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operational EBITA:	(299)	(372)	(418)
Operating | Electrification
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operational EBITA:	2,121	1,681	1,688
Operating | Motion
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operational EBITA:	1,183	1,075	1,082
Operating | Process Automation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operational EBITA:	801	451	732
Operating | Robotics & Discrete Automation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operational EBITA:	$ 355	$ 237	$ 393

Operating segment and geograp_5

Operating segment and geographic data - Schedule of Depreciation and amortization, Capital expenditure, and Total assets by segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 893	$ 915	$ 961
Capital expenditure	820	694	762
Total assets	40,260	41,088	46,108
Equity method investments	1,670	1,784
Electrification
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	425	411	444
Capital expenditure	345	316	298
Total assets	12,831	12,800	12,318
Motion
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	172	182	183
Capital expenditure	230	118	79
Total assets	5,936	6,495	6,378
Process Automation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	83	80	72
Capital expenditure	85	75	126
Total assets	5,009	5,008	4,914
Robotics & Discrete Automation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	144	131	129
Capital expenditure	96	65	62
Total assets	4,860	4,794	4,784
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	69	111	133
Capital expenditure	64	120	197
Total assets	11,624	11,991	17,714
Assets held for sale	136	282	$ 9,840
Corporate and Other | Hitachi ABB Power Grids
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$ 1,609	$ 1,710

Operating segment and geograp_6

Operating segment and geographic data - Schedule of Geographical information for long-lived assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets at December 31	$ 4,939	$ 5,144
Europe
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets at December 31	2,670	2,822
The Americas
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets at December 31	1,260	1,382
Asia, Middle East and Africa
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets at December 31	$ 1,009	$ 940

Operating segment and geograp_7

Operating segment and geographic data - Concentration risk (Details) - Geographic concentration	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, plant and equipment, net | United States
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (as a percent)	19.00%	21.00%
Property, plant and equipment, net | China
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (as a percent)	12.00%	10.00%
Property, plant and equipment, net | Switzerland
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (as a percent)	11.00%	11.00%
Revenue | Excludes Switzerland
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk (as a percent)	98.00%	98.00%	98.00%