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This element represents the funded status of plans for which the fair value of assets exceeds the benefit obligation.

No definition available.

Name:	abb_DefinedBenefitPlanOverfundedPlan
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This element represents the funded status of plans for which the benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of assets where the obligation is due within one year.

No definition available.

Name:	abb_DefinedBenefitPlanUnderfundedPlanCurrent
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This element represents the funded status of plans for which the benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of assets where the obligation is due beyond one year.

No definition available.

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This element represents Other employee related benefits not defined anywhere else in the taxonomy.

No definition available.

Name:	abb_OtherEmployeeRelatedBenefitsNoncurrent
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Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for employer-related costs not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Used to reflect the noncurrent portion of the liabilities (due beyond one year).

No definition available.

Name:	abb_OtherEmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	abb_
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No definition available.

Name:	abb_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilitiesAbstract
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For defined benefit pension plans, the actuarial present value of benefits (whether vested or nonvested) attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered before a specified date and based on employee service and compensation (if applicable) before that date. The accumulated benefit obligation differs from the projected benefit obligation in that it includes no assumption about future compensation levels. For plans with flat-benefit or nonpay-related pension benefit formulas, the accumulated benefit obligation and the projected benefit obligation are the same.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Accumulated Benefit Obligation
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503844

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920

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No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract
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No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsAbstract
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The amount for overfunded plans recognized in the balance sheet as a noncurrent asset associated with a defined benefit pension plan or other postretirement defined benefit plan.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent
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1) For defined benefit pension plans, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value as of a date of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered prior to that date. 2) For other postretirement defined benefit plans, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed to employee service rendered to a particular date.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522206

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Assets, usually stocks, bonds, and other investments, that have been segregated and restricted (usually in a trust) to provide benefits, at their fair value as of the measurement date. Plan assets include amounts contributed by the employer (and by employees for a contributory plan) and amounts earned from investing the contributions, less benefits paid. If a plan has liabilities other than for benefits, those non-benefit obligations may be considered as reductions of plan assets.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-Topic 715
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The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation. Will normally be the same as the net Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet, Total.

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
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No definition available.

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Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for employer-related costs not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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For a classified balance sheet, the amount recognized in balance sheet as a current liability associated with an underfunded defined benefit plan.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Current Liabilities
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509677

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Name:	us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
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This represents the noncurrent liability for underfunded plans recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement defined benefit plans.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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No definition available.

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