Results for the year - Income taxes and deferred income taxes - Income Taxes Paid (Details) - DKK (kr) kr in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Analysis of income and expense [abstract]
Income taxes paid in Denmark for current year	kr 7,774	kr 6,640	kr 6,798
Income taxes paid outside Denmark for current year	2,258	2,376	2,639
Income taxes paid/repayments relating to prior years	904	598	(336)
Total income taxes paid	kr 10,936	kr 9,614	kr 9,101

The cash flows from income taxes paid or refunded, classified as operating activities. [Refer: Income taxes paid (refund)]

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