Intangible assets and goodwill - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill
Goodwill	$ 1,614	$ 1,614	$ 1,617
Accumulated impairment losses	(159)	(159)
Goodwill, net	1,455	1,455	1,617
Impairment losses	0	(159)	0
Disposal of immaterial subsidiary		(3)
Earth intelligence
Goodwill
Goodwill	1,597	1,597	1,600
Accumulated impairment losses	(142)	(142)
Goodwill, net	1,455	1,455	1,600
Impairment losses		(142)
Disposal of immaterial subsidiary		(3)
Space Infrastructure
Goodwill
Goodwill	17	17	17
Accumulated impairment losses	$ (17)	(17)
Goodwill, net			$ 17
Impairment losses		$ (17)