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Update 2016-16 Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Increase to deferred tax assets upon adoption Deferred Tax Assets, Net Other, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Marketing, selling, and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Research and development Research and Development Expense Equity [Abstract] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Prior service benefits, net Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Amortization of retirement benefit items Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Defined Benefit Pension and Retiree Health Benefit Plans Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Unrealized net gains/losses on securities Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Other, net of tax Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges and Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges and Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Amortization of retirement benefit items: Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Tax benefit Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Total reclassifications for the period (net of tax) Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other, net Tax (benefit) expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net of tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total reclassifications for the period (net of tax) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] U.S. UNITED STATES Outside U.S. International [Member] International [Member] Europe Europe [Member] Japan JAPAN Other foreign countries Other Foreign Countries [Member] Other Foreign Countries [Member] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Endocrinology Endocrinology [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Endocrinology Trulicity Trulicity [Member] [Member] Trulicity [Member] [Member] Humalog Humalog [Member] Humalog [Member] Forteo Forteo [Member] Forteo [Member] Humulin® Humulin [Member] Humulin [Member] Basaglar Basaglar [Member] Basaglar [Member] Jardiance Jardiance (BI) [Member] Jardiance (BI) [Member] Trajenta Trajenta (BI) [Member] Trajenta (BI) [Member] Other Endocrinology Other Endocrinology [Member] Other Endocrinology [Member] Oncology Oncology [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Oncology Alimta Alimta [Member] Alimta [Member] Cyramza Cyramza [Member] Cyramza [Member] Erbitux Erbitux [Member] Erbitux [Member] Other Oncology Other Oncology [Member] Other Oncology [Member] Cardiovascular Cardiovascular [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Cardiovascular Cialis Cialis [Member] Cialis [Member] Effient Effient [Member] Effient [Member] Other Cardiovascular Other Cardiovascular [Member] Other Cardiovascular [Member] Neuroscience Neuroscience [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Neuroscience Cymbalta Cymbalta [Member] Cymbalta [Member] Zyprexa Zyprexa [Member] Zyprexa [Member] Strattera® Strattera [Member] Strattera [Member] Other Neuroscience Other Neuroscience [Member] Other Neuroscience [Member] Immunology Immunology [Member] Immunology [Member] Taltz® Taltz [Member] Taltz [Member] Other Immunology Other Immunology [Member] Other Immunology [Member] Other pharmaceuticals Other Pharmaceuticals [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Other pharmaceuticals Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Human pharmaceutical products Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Animal health products Animal Health Products [Member] Animal Health Products [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues Revenues Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangements [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized, Cumulative Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized (Deferred), Cumulative [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized, Cumulative [Member] Sales Acquisition Terms - Contingent Consideration [Member] Acquisition Terms - Contingent Consideration [Member] Royalty Agreement Terms Royalty Agreement Terms [Member] Research and Development Exp Research and Development Expense [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Expensed Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Expensed [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Expensed [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized (Deferred) Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized (Deferred) [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory [Member] Milestone Payments, Sales-based Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Profit and Development and Marketing Share Profit And Development And Marketing Share [Member] Share of profits, research and development expenses, and marketing expenses pursuant to the terms of a collaborative arrangement. Basaglar Product Erbitux, Product [Member] Erbitux, Product [Member] Collaboration and Other Revenue Erbitux, Collaboration and Other Revenue [Member] Erbitux, Collaboration and Other Revenue [Member] Olumiant Olumiant [Member] Olumiant [Member] Tanezumab Tanezumab [Member] Tanezumab [Member] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Milestones (deferred) capitalized Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Terms Terms or rights and obligations under collaborative arrangements. Revenue Collaborative arrangement, rights and obligations (percentage) Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations Percent Description of rights and obligations under the collaborative arrangements, including but not limited to - percent share in various revenues and costs, percent interest earned on related party notes. Collaborations and Other Arrangements Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue Costs, expenses, and other: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Acquired in-process research and development (Note 3) Acquired in-process research and development The amount of EXPENSE related to research and development assets that are acquired in a business combination (pre-141R) and/or licensing arrangement that have no alternative future use and are therefore written off in the period of acquisition (INCOME STATEMENT) Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges (Note 5) Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Other–net, (income) expense (Note 11) Cost of sales, operating expenses, and other-net Cost of sales, operating expenses, and other-net Cost of sales, operating expenses, and other-net Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income taxes (Note 7) Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings per share: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Shares used in calculation of earnings per share: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Dividend declared (usd per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Stock repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] The components of the charges included in asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Schedule of components of other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract] Retirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Consolidated income before taxes Acquired in-process research and development (Note 3) Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges (Note 5) Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Net investment hedges Net Investment Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Effect from hedged fixed-rate debt Hedged Fixed Rate Debt [Member] Hedged Fixed-Rate Debt [Member] Effect from interest rate contracts Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign currency exchange contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Cross-currency interest rate swaps Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Effect from hedged fixed-rate debt Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Effect from interest rate contracts Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments Effective portion of losses on interest rate contracts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion Net losses on foreign currency exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Effective portion of risk-management instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Other receivables Derivative Asset, Current Sundry Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Other current liabilities Derivative Liability, Current Other noncurrent liabilities Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Other current liabilities Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current Other noncurrent liabilities Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Foreign currency translation gains/losses Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Defined benefit pension and retiree health benefit plans Effective portion of cash flow hedges Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Benefit/(provision) for income taxes allocated to other comprehensive income (loss) items Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Description of Derivative Risk Management Policy Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Plaintiff Appealing Decision of Court Plaintiff Appealing Decision of Court [Member] Plaintiff Appealing Decision of Court [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Product Liability Litigation Product Liability Litigation [Member] Matters related to product liability litigation Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case Type [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Dr Reddy's Lab Dr Reddy's Lab [Member] Dr Reddy's Lab [Member] Japanese Administrative Proceedings Japanese Administrative Proceedings [Member] Japanese Administrative Proceedings [Member] Employee Litigation Employee Litigation [Member] Employee Litigation [Member] Agri Stats, Inc. Agri Stats, Inc. [Member] Agri Stats, Inc. [Member] Adocia S.A Adocia S.A [Member] Adocia S.A [Member] California CALIFORNIA Brazil BRAZIL Loss Contingency [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Number of new application Number of New Application Number of New Application Number of defendants Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants Number of companies Number of Companies Number of Companies Number of cases ruled in favor Loss Contingency, Claims Settled and Dismissed, Number Number of companies Loss Contingency, Number of Companies Loss Contingency, Number of Companies Number of generic products Loss Contingency, Number of Generic Products Loss Contingency, Number of Generic Products Number of demands Loss Contingency, Number of Demands Loss Contingency, Number of Demands Number of patents Number of Patents Number of Patents Number of demands resumed Number of Demands Resumed Number of Demands Resumed Number of demands remaining Number of Demands Remaining Number of Demands Remaining Number of lawsuits Loss Contingency, Number of Lawsuits Number of lawsuits in a particular litigation or loss contingency. Number of plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Damages awarded, value Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Number of Individuals Number of Individuals Number of Individuals New claims filed Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Amount awarded to other party Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Estimated possible loss Loss Contingency, Amount of Claim Loss Contingency, Amount of Claim Gain Contingency, Unrecorded Amount Gain Contingency, Unrecorded Amount New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Proceeds from sales Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Realized gross gains on sales Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Realized gross losses on sales Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Adoption of ASU [Abstract] Adoption of ASU [Abstract] Adoption of ASU [Abstract] Proceeds from sales Proceeds from Sale of Equity and Available for Sale Securities Proceeds from Sale of Equity and Available for Sale Securities Realized gross gains on sales Available for Sale Securities and Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Gain Available for Sale Securities and Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Gain Realized gross losses on sales Available for sale Securities and Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Loss Available for sale Securities and Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Loss Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.'s U.S. Vaccine Portfolio Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.'s U.S. Vaccine Portfolio [Member] Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.'s U.S. Feline, Canine, and Rabies Vaccine Portfolio Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Schedule of the amounts recognized for assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of asset acquisition Schedule of Research and Development Assets Acquired Other than Through Business Combination [Table Text Block] Net income Other comprehensive income, net of tax (Note 10) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Basis of Presentation and Revenue Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Unrealized gross gains Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Unrealized gross losses Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Fair value of securities in an unrealized gain position Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Gain Position Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Gain Position Fair value of securities in an unrealized loss position Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position Asset Impairment, Restructuring, and Other Special Charges Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Divestiture and Acquisitions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Animal health products Animal Health [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Animal health Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Severance Severance Costs Total asset impairment and other special charges Asset Impairment Charges Asset impairment and other special charges Diabetes Collaboration Diabetes Collaboration [Member] Diabetes Collaboration [Member] Bi Compounds Bi Compounds [Member] describes BI's compounds contributed to the diabetes collaboration -- linagliptin and BI10773. Schedule of revenue recognized Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of exclusive marketing rights in certain other territories. Schedule of Marketing Rights [Table Text Block] Schedule of Marketing Rights [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Schedule of other–net, (income) expense Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Elanco Animal Health Incorporated Elanco Animal Health Incorporated [Member] Elanco Animal Health Incorporated [Member] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] IPO IPO [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Spin-off Disposal Group, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Not Discontinued Operations, Spinoff [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Number of shares sold (shares) Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Price per share sold (usd per share) Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Percentage of ownership sold (percentage) Sale Of Stock, Percentage Of Stock Sold Sale Of Stock, Percentage Of Stock Sold Cash Transfered From Subsidiary to Parent Cash Transfered From Subsidiary to Parent Cash Transfered From Subsidiary to Parent Sale of Elanco stock (Note 3) Impact on Equity of Sale of Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary Impact on Equity of Sale of Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Document & Entity Information [Abstract] Document & Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Employee Benefit Trust Trust for Benefit of Employees [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Common Stock in Treasury Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance, shares Shares, Issued Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income, net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Cash dividends declared Dividends Retirement of treasury shares, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired Retirement of treasury shares Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Purchase of treasury shares, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Purchase of treasury shares Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Issuance of stock under employee stock plans, net, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Issuance of stock under employee stock plans, net Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Adoption of new accounting standards (Note 2) Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Ending balance Ending Balance, shares Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Secured Debt Secured Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Notes Due August 27, 2021 Senior Notes Due August Twenty Seven, Twenty Twenty One [Member] Senior Notes Due August Twenty Seven, Twenty Twenty One [Member] Senior Notes Due August 28, 2023 Senior Notes Due August Twenty Eight, Twenty Twenty Three [Member] Senior Notes Due August Twenty Eight, Twenty Twenty Three [Member] Senior Notes Due August 28, 2028 Senior Notes Due August Twenty Eight , Twenty Twenty Eight [Member] Senior Notes Due August Twenty Eight , Twenty Twenty Eight [Member] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Term Facility Term Facility [Member] Term Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Stated interest rate (percentage) Debt 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Effective Portion of Cash Flow Hedges AOCI Attributable to Parent AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Reclassification due to adoption of new accounting standard Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Net other comprehensive income (loss) Other - Net, (Income) Expense Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Year 2013 Tax Year 2013 [Member] Tax Year 2014 Tax Year 2014 [Member] Tax Year 2015 Tax Year 2015 [Member] ARMO and AurKa 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accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Defined Benefit Pension Plans Pension Plan [Member] Retiree Health Benefit Plans Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Schedule of net pension and retiree health benefit (income) cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Implementation of New Financial Accounting 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Japanese Yen [Member] Buy US dollar Sell Japanese Yen [Member] Buy GBP Sell USD Buy Swiss francs Sell US dollar [Member] Buy Swiss francs Sell US dollar [Member] Buy US dollar Sell British pound Buy US dollar Sell British pound [Member] Buy US dollar Sell British pound [Member] Buy British Pound and Sell US Dollars Buy British Pound and Sell US Dollars [Member] Buy British Pound and Sell US Dollars [Member] Derivative liability, notional amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative asset, notional amount Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Maximum remaining maturity of foreign currency derivatives Maximum Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Long-term debt, including current portion Long-term Debt Description of derivative activity volume (percentage) Description of Derivative Activity Volume Percent Label: Description of Derivative Activity Volume Element ID: us-gaap_DescriptionOfDerivativeActivityVolume Balance Type: na Data Type: PERCENT Period Type: duration --------------------------------------------------------------------- Definition: Information that would enable users to understand the volume of the entity's derivative activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 44 -Subparagraph 2 Interest rate cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified during next 12 months Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Cash payment Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Unrealized gain (loss), net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities OTTI recognized Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Available-for-sale, percentage of nonperforming assets (percentage) Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Other, Percentage of Nonperforming Assets Amount of receivable derecognized Transfer of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sales, Amount Derecognized Schedule of revenue recognized in our consolidated condensed statements of operations Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Schedule of amounts recorded for contract liabilities Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Debt Securities Contractual Maturities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Total Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Less Than 1 Year Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, within One Year, Fair Value 1-5 Years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value 6-10 Years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value More Than 10 Years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after 10 Years, Fair Value Interest expense Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Retirement benefit Net Periodic Defined Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Excluding Service Cost Component Other income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other–net, (income) expense Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Change in deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Other changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other non-cash operating activities, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Net purchases of property and equipment Payments for (Proceeds from) Productive Assets Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments Proceeds from Sale of Short-term Investments Purchases of short-term investments Payments to Acquire Short-term Investments Proceeds from sales of noncurrent investments Proceeds from Sale of Long-term Investments Purchases of noncurrent investments Payments to Acquire Long-term Investments Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 3) Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Purchase of in-process research and development (Note 3) Purchased in-process research and development The amount of CASH paid for research and development assets that are acquired in a business combination (pre-141R) and/or licensing arrangement that have no alternative future use and are therefore, written off in the period of acquisition (CASH FLOWS). Other investing activities, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Net change in short-term borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Purchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Net proceeds from Elanco initial public offering (Note 3) Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity from Subsidiary Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity from Subsidiary Other financing activities, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 Cash and Cash Equivalents at September 30 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Inventories Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Marketed products Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other assets and liabilities - net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets and Liabilities, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets and Liabilities, Net Total identifiable net assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Goodwill Goodwill Total consideration transferred - net of cash acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Other comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest U.S. government and agency securities US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] Corporate debt securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Mortgage-backed securities Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Asset-backed securities Asset-backed Securities [Member] Other securities Other Equity Securities [Member] Other Equity Securities [Member] Marketable equity securities Marketable Securities [Member] Marketable Securities [Member] Marketable equity securities Other securities Other Debt Obligations [Member] Cost and equity method investments Equity Method And Other Investments [Member] Equity Method and Other Investments [Member] Cost Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] Cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Short-term investments, debt securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Current Noncurrent investments, debt securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Noncurrent Equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI Equity Securities without readily determinable fair value, amount Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Cost and equity method investments Other Long-term Investments Marketable equity securities Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Noncurrent Noncurrent investments Long-term Investments Short-term commercial paper borrowings Commercial Paper Long-term debt, including current portion Schedule of effects of risk-management instruments were recognized in other–net, (income) expense Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of effective portion of risk-management instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary certain fair value information Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Summary certain fair value information, liabilities Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair value, by balance sheet grouping Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Summary the contractual maturities of our investments in debt securities measured at fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table Text Block] Summary of the amount of unrealized gains and losses (pretax) recognized in our statement of operations for equity securities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Activity related to our investment portfolio, substantially all of which related to equity and available-for-sale securities Gain (Loss) on Securities [Table Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Recognized actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss), Immediate Recognition as Component in Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit Curtailment (gain) loss Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Sigilon Therapeutics (Sigilon) Sigilon Therapeutics [Member] Sigilon Therapeutics [Member] AurKa Pharma, Inc. (AurKa) Aurka Pharma [Member] Aurka Pharma [Member] ARMO Biosciences, Inc. (ARMO) ARMO Biosciences, Inc. [Member] ARMO Biosciences, Inc. [Member] Anima Biotech (Anima) Anima Biotech [Member] Anima Biotech [Member] CoLucid Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (CoLucid) CoLucid Pharmaceuticals [Member] CoLucid Pharmaceuticals [Member] KeyBioscience AG (KeyBioscience) KeyBioscience's Dual Amylin Calcitonin Receptor Agonists [Member] KeyBioscience's Dual Amylin Calcitonin Receptor Agonists [Member] Nektar Therapeutics (Nektar) Nektar's Phase I Immunological Therapy [Member] Nektar's Phase I Immunological Therapy [Member] Chugai Pharmaceutical Company Chugai Pharmaceutical Company [Member] Chugai Pharmaceutical Company [Member] Dicerna Pharmaceuticals Dicerna Pharmaceuticals [Member] Dicerna Pharmaceuticals [Member] Priority Review Voucher Priority Review [Member] Priority Review [Member] NextCure, Inc. NextCure, Inc. [Member] NextCure, Inc. [Member] All cash transaction Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Useful life (years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Purchase of in-process research and development Value of liabilities assumed Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Liabilities Assumed Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents (Note 6) Short-term investments (Note 6) Short-term Investments Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $34.0 (2018) and $38.7 (2017) Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Other receivables Other Receivables, Net, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Other Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Investments (Note 6) Other intangibles Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Deferred tax assets Sundry Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Assets, Noncurrent Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $9,671.7 (2018) and $9,264.6 (2017) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Total assets Assets Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt Debt, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Employee compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Sales rebates and discounts Sales rebates and discounts Sales rebates and discounts Dividends payable Dividends Payable, Current Income taxes payable Taxes Payable, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Accrued retirement benefits (Note 8) Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Long-term income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total other liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Eli Lilly and Company Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Employee benefit trust Common Stock, Shares Held in Employee Trust Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 10) Cost of common stock in treasury Treasury Stock, Value Total Eli Lilly and Company shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests (Note 3) Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]