Capital structure and financial items - Distributions to shareholders - Distribution to shareholders (Details) - DKK (kr) kr in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Share Capital, Reserves And Other Equity Interest And Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Interim dividend for the year	kr 13,430	kr 9,613	kr 8,021
Dividend for prior year	18,337	15,690	13,496
Share repurchases for the year	29,924	24,086	19,447
Total distribution for the year	kr 61,691	kr 49,389	kr 40,964

The amount of dividends relating to the current year, recognised as distributions to owners of the parent. [Refer: Parent [member]]

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Name IAS
-Number 1
-IssueDate 2023-01-01
-Paragraph 106
-Subparagraph d
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-URIDate 2023-03-23

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The amount of dividends relating to prior years, recognised as distributions to owners of the parent. [Refer: Parent [member]]

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Dividends Recognised As Distributions For Owners Of Parent, Relating To Prior Years And Purchases Of Treasury Shares

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Purchase Of Treasury Shares, Net

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Share Capital, Reserves And Other Equity Interest And Financial Instruments [Abstract]

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