Network Operaton And Support Expenses - Details Of Network Operation And Support Expenses (Parenthetical) (Detail) - CNY (¥) ¥ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Material Income And Expense [Line Items]
Short-term leases payments and leases payments of low-value assets	¥ 4,462	¥ 6,757	¥ 0
Variable leases payments	¥ 7,770	¥ 8,186	¥ 0

Short-term leases payments and leases payments of low-value assets.

No definition available.

Name:	chl_ShortTermLeasesPaymentsAndLeasesPaymentsOfLowValueAssets
Namespace Prefix:	chl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration