ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND OTHER (Tables) - USD ($)
$ in Millions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Subclassifications of assets, liabilities and equities [abstract]

Operating expense

$ 45,519

$ 32,388

Schedule of accounts payable and other liabilities

AS AT DEC. 31 (MILLIONS)	2018		2017
Accounts payable	$	6,873	$	5,158
Provisions	2,830		1,651
Other liabilities	14,286		11,156
Total	$	23,989	$	17,965

Disclosure of current and non-current accounts payable and other [Table Text Block]

The current and non-current balances of accounts payable, provisions and other liabilities are as follows:

AS AT DEC. 31 (MILLIONS)	2018		2017
Current	$	14,337	$	11,148
Non-current	9,652		6,817
Total	$	23,989	$	17,965

Schedule of post-employment benefit plans

AS AT DEC. 31 (MILLIONS)	2018			2017
Plan assets	$	1,981		$	516
Less accrued benefit obligation:
Defined benefit pension plan	(2,548		)	(685		)
Other post-employment benefits	(148		)	(90		)
Net liability	(715		)	(259		)
Less: net actuarial gains (losses) and other	(10		)	(2		)
Accrued benefit liability	$	(725	)	$	(261	)