Pensions and other post-retirement benefits - Details of assumptions used to estimate benefit obligations (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
United Kingdom
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Discount rate for plan liabilities	2.10%	2.90%	2.50%
Rate of increase in salaries	3.40%	3.80%	4.10%
Rate of increase for pensions in payment	2.70%	3.00%	2.90%
Rate of increase in deferred pensions	2.70%	3.00%	2.90%
Inflation for plan liabilities	2.70%	3.10%	3.10%
Discount rate for plan service cost	3.00%	2.60%	2.70%
Discount rate for plan other finance expense	2.90%	2.50%	2.70%
Inflation for plan service cost	3.10%	3.10%	3.20%
US
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Discount rate for plan liabilities	3.10%	4.10%	3.50%
Rate of increase in salaries	3.90%	3.90%	4.10%
Rate of increase for pensions in payment	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Rate of increase in deferred pensions	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Inflation for plan liabilities	1.50%	1.50%	1.70%
Discount rate for plan service cost	4.20%	3.60%	4.10%
Discount rate for plan other finance expense	4.10%	3.50%	3.90%
Inflation for plan service cost	1.50%	1.70%	1.80%
Eurozone
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [line items]
Discount rate for plan liabilities	1.30%	2.00%	1.90%
Rate of increase in salaries	3.10%	3.10%	3.00%
Rate of increase for pensions in payment	1.50%	1.50%	1.40%
Rate of increase in deferred pensions	0.50%	0.50%	0.60%
Inflation for plan liabilities	1.70%	1.70%	1.60%
Discount rate for plan service cost	2.50%	2.40%	2.10%
Discount rate for plan other finance expense	2.00%	1.90%	1.70%
Inflation for plan service cost	1.70%	1.60%	1.60%