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Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current 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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 Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Other-net, (income) expense Nonoperating Income (Expense) 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 Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Earnings per share: Shares used in calculation of earnings per share: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant 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and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Collaborations [Text Block] Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Erbitux Acquisition [Member] Erbitux Acquisition [Member] Erbitux Acquisition [Member] AstraZeneca [Member] AstraZeneca [Member] AstraZeneca [Member] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Revenue Share [Member] Revenue Share [Member] Revenue sharing evidenced through collaboration partner's issuance of a secured note. Milestone Payments [Member] Milestone Payments [Member] Milestone payments either paid or anticipated pursuant to a collaborative arrangement. Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized, Cumulative [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized, Cumulative [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized, Cumulative [Member] Profit And Development And Marketing Share [Member] 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. Upfront Payment [Member] Upfront Payment [Member] Upfront payment made in accordance with the terms of a collaborative arrangement. Sales Reported [Member] Sales Reported [Member] Sales recorded pursuant to a collaborative arrangement. Research And Development Exp [Member] Research And Development Exp [Member] Share of Research and Development expenses incurred pursuant to a collaborative arrangement. Can be expenses or reimbursement of expenses. 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Jardiance [Member] Jardiance [Member] Jardiance [Member] LLY compounds [Member] Lly Compounds [Member] Definition: describes Lilly's compounds contributed to the diabetes collaboration with BI -- LY2605541 and LY2963016. LLY optional compound [Member] Lly Optional Compound [Member] describes Lilly's optional compound contributed to the diabetes collaboration with BI -- anti-TGF-beta monoclonal antibody. Baricitinib [Member] Baricitinib [Member] Baricitinib [Member] Tanezumab [Member] Tanezumab [Member] Tanezumab [Member] Jardiance (BI) [Member] Jardiance (BI) [Member] Jardiance (BI) [Member] Basaglar [Member] Basaglar [Member] Basaglar [Member] BACE (AZ) Inhibitor [Member] BACE (AZ) Inhibitor [Member] BACE Inhibitor (AZ) [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Terms Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Terms Terms or rights and obligations under collaborative arrangements. Other-net, (income) expense 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. Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Term of Arrangement Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Terms of Arrangement, Period Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Terms of Arrangement, Period Period over which a certain term (right or obligation) of a collaborative arrangement is to be recognized, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Acquired in-process research and development Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets Noncurrent Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets Noncurrent Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Federal Income Tax Note [Table] Federal Income Tax Note [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Carryforward [Member] Carryforward [Member] Tax Carryforward [Member] Carryback [Member] Carryback [Member] Refers to portion of total tax credit carryforwards and carrybacks that will be carried back. Expiration in 5 years [Member] Expiration within 5 years [Member] Expiration within 5 years [Member] Expiration 5-20 years [Member] Expiration 5 to 20 Years [Member] Expiration 5 to 20 Years [Member] Expiration 5-20 years, Minimum [Member] Expiration 5 to 20 Years Minimum [Member] Expiration 5 to 20 Years Minimum [Member] Expiration 5-20 years, Maximum [Member] Expiration 5 to 20 Years Maximum [Member] Expiration 5 to 20 Years Maximum [Member] Expiration in 10 Years [Member] Expiration in 10 Years [Member] Expiration in 10 Years [Member] Expiration in 20 Years [Member] Expiration in 20 Years [Member] Expiration in 20 Years [Member] No Expiration [Member] No Expiration [Member] Those operating loss/tax credit carryforwards/carrybacks included that have no expiration. Designated Unusable [Member] Designated Unusable [Member] Those operating loss/tax credit carryforwards/carrybacks included that have been designated to be unusable and therefore, is fully reserved. Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority Unremitted Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Tax Credit Carryforward, Deferred Tax Asset Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Reserves Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Reserves Deferred Tax Assets, Other Comprehensive Loss Deferred Tax Assets, Other Comprehensive Loss Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Deferred Tax Asset, Fair Value Adjustments Deferred Tax Asset, Fair Value Adjustments Deferred tax asset resulting from fair value adjustments, including on hedged borrowings Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Contingencies Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Contingencies Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Total Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Total Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Prepaid Expenses Deferred Tax Liabilities, Prepaid Expenses Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Capitalized Inventory Costs Deferred Tax Liabilities, Inventory Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Derivatives Deferred Tax Liabilities, Derivatives Deferred Tax Liabilities, Total Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred Tax Assets, Net Deferred Tax Assets, Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Date Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Date Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Other Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Other Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Animal Health Products [Member] Animal Health Products [Member] Animal Health Products [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] In Process Research and Development [Member] In Process Research and Development [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill, Impairment Loss Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted-Average Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Future Amortization Expense, Year One Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Future Amortization Expense, Year Two Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Future Amortization Expense, Year Three Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Future Amortization Expense, Year Four Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Future Amortization Expense, Year Five Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Sum of the gross carrying amounts before accumulated amortization (if applicable) as of the balance sheet date of all intangible assets. The aggregate gross carrying amount (including any previously recognized impairment charges) of a major intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Direction and Pattern for Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate The direction and pattern of change in the assumed trend rate(s) starting after one year from the current statement of financial position date. Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Inventory, Current [Table] Inventory, Current [Table] Inventory [Axis] Inventory [Axis] Inventory [Domain] Inventory [Domain] Inventory [Line Items] Inventory [Line Items] Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Performance Shares [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Shareholder Value Awards [Member] Shareholder Value Awards [Member] Shareholder Value Awards are granted to officers and management and are payable in shares of common stock at the end of a 3 yr period. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expected Shares To Be Issued Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expected Shares To Be Issued The number of shares expected to be issued in the next twelve months under the plan. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Novartis Animal Health [Member] Novartis Animal Health [Member] Novartis Animal Health [Member] Lohmann Animal Health [Member] Lohmann Animal Health [Member] Lohmann Animal Health [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of Research and Development Assets Acquired Other than Through Business Combination [Table Text Block] Schedule of Research and Development Assets Acquired Other than Through Business Combination [Table Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] CANADA CANADA CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA Other states [Member] Other states [Member] Other states [Member] ONTARIO ONTARIO QUEBEC QUEBEC ALBERTA ALBERTA Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Compensatory Damages [Member] Compensatory Damages [Member] Compensatory Damages [Member] Punitive Damages [Member] Punitive Damages [Member] Punitive Damages [Member] Product Liability Litigation [Member] Product Liability Litigation [Member] Matters related to product liability litigation Damages from Product, Cancer [Member] Damages from Product, Cancer [Member] Damages from Product, Cancer [Member] Actos [Member] Actos [Member] Actos [Member] Cymbalta [Member] Cymbalta [Member] Cymbalta [Member] Prozac [Member] Prozac [Member] Prozac [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case Type [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Multi District Litigation Mdl [Member] Multi District Litigation Mdl [Member] Product liability cases that are part of the MDL. Takeda Portion [Member] Takeda Portion [Member] Takeda Portion [Member] Lilly Portion [Member] Lilly Portion [Member] Lilly Portion [Member] Employee Litigation [Member] Employee Litigation [Member] Employee Litigation [Member] Loss Contingency, Number of Cases Loss Contingency, Number of Cases The number of cases pursuant to a particular litigation or loss contingency. Litigation Settlement, Amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Loss Contingency, Parties Jointly and Severally Liable in Litigation, Percent Share Loss Contingency, Parties Jointly and Severally Liable in Litigation, Percent Share Identifies the PERCENT share of individuals or entities that are co-defendants in a lawsuit, and who may have to pay all or a portion of any damages awarded. Loss Contingency, Number of Claimants The number of claimants in a given litigation or loss contingency Loss Contingency, Number of Lawsuits Number of lawsuits in a particular litigation or loss contingency. Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Schedule of Additional Stock-Based Compensation Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Additional Stock-Based Compensation Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Additional Stock-Based Compensation Disclosures [Table Text Block] Share-based Compensation Awards, Fair Value Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Share-based Compensation Awards, Fair Value Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Share-based Compensation Awards, Fair Value Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] LIFO Inventory Amount LIFO Inventory Amount Finished products Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Gross Raw materials and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross Inventory, Gross, Total Inventory, Gross Reduction to LIFO cost Inventory, LIFO Reserve Inventories Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Diabetes Collaboration [Member] Diabetes Collaboration [Member] Diabetes Collaboration [Member] Exenatide [Member] Exenatide [Member] Exenatide Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Postemployment Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Postemployment Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Document & Entity Information [Abstract] Document & Entity Information [Abstract] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Information, Document [Axis] Document Information, Document [Axis] Document [Domain] Document [Domain] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] 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 Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Table] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Table] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Table Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Table Text Block] Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Schedule of Additional Segment Information Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Additional Segment Information Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Additional Segment Information Disclosures [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other Revenue, Net Income related to termination of the exenatide collaboration with Amylin Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized Interest Expense Investment Income, Interest Investment Income, Interest Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Other (income)expense Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both [Abstract] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Table] Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Table] PUERTO RICO PUERTO RICO IRELAND IRELAND Unusual or Infrequent Item [Axis] Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Axis] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Domain] Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Domain] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items] Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items] Asset Impairment Charges Asset Impairment Charges Severance Costs Severance Costs Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Financial Instruments [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Axis] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Axis] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Domain] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Domain] Acquisition-related Costs [Member] Acquisition-related Costs [Member] Fair Value Adjustment to Inventory [Member] Fair Value Adjustment to Inventory [Member] Amortization of Fair Value Adjusted Intangible Assets [Member] Amortization of Fair Value Adjusted Intangible Assets [Member] Amortization of Fair Value Adjusted Intangible Assets [Member] U.S. Sentinel Product Line [Member] U.S. Sentinel Product Line [Member] U.S. Sentinel Product Line [Member] Vetmedica Inc.'s U.S. Feline, Canine, and Rabies Vaccine Portfolio [Member] Vetmedica Inc.'s U.S. Feline, Canine, and Rabies Vaccine Portfolio [Member] Vetmedica Inc.'s U.S. Feline, Canine, and Rabies Vaccine Portfolio [Member] CoLucid Pharmaceuticals [Member] CoLucid Pharmaceuticals [Member] CoLucid Pharmaceuticals [Member] Innovent Biologics, Inc. [Member] Innovent Biologics, Inc. [Member] Innovent Biologics, Inc. [Member] Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. [Member] Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. [Member] Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. [Member] BioNTech AG [Member] BioNTech AG [Member] BioNTech AG [Member] Immunocore Limited [Member] Immunocore Limited [Member] Immunocore Limited [Member] Locemia Solutions [Member] Locemia Solutions [Member] Locemia Solutions [Member] Other Product Acquisition Counterparty [Member] Other Product Acquisition Counterparty [Member] Other Product Acquisition Counterparty [Member] Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc [Member] Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc [Member] Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc [Member] Adocia [Member] Adocia [Member] Adocia [Member] Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Interest Expense Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles, Other Intangible Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles, Other Intangible Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles, Other Intangible Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Business Acquisition, Products or Other Assets Acquired Business Acquisition, Products or Other Assets Acquired Number or Amount of products or other assets acquired pursuant to the acquisition of a business or of assets. Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Per Share Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Per Share Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Per Share Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Contingencies [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Additional Borrowings Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Additional Borrowings Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Additional Borrowings Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Accounts receivable, allowances Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Tax Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, before Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclasification Adjustment from AOCI, Available-for-Sale Securities, before Tax, Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclasification Adjustment from AOCI, Available-for-Sale Securities, before Tax, Total Amount before tax of reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss related to available-for-sale securities. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclasification Adjustment from AOCI, Available-for-Sale Securities, before Tax, Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Available-for-Sale Securities, Net of Tax, Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Available-for-Sale Securities, Net of Tax, Total Amount after tax of reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss related to available-for-sale securities. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclasification Adjustment from AOCI, Available-for-Sale Securities, Net of Tax, Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Available-for-Sale Securities, Net of Tax, Total Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Net of Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Reclassification Adjustments, Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Reclassification Adjustments, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Shareholders' Equity [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table] Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Years 2010-2012 [Member] Tax Years 2010-2012 [Member] Tax Years 2010-2012 [Member] Nature of Uncertainty [Axis] Nature of Uncertainty [Axis] Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Nature of Uncertainty [Domain] Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Nature of Uncertainty [Domain] Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items] Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items] Income Taxes Paid Income Taxes Paid Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Income Tax Examination, Estimate of Cash Payment for Taxes from Settlement with Taxing Authority Income Tax Examination, Estimate of Cash Payment for Taxes from Settlement with Taxing Authority Income Tax Examination, Estimate of Cash Payment for Taxes from Settlement with Taxing Authority - The estimated amount of cash payments that will be due upon resolution of income tax examination with taxing authority. Domestic and Puerto Rican Contribution to Income before Income Taxes Percent contribution of most significant (domestic, including Puerto Rico) areas that contributed to the consolidated income (loss) before income taxes. Income Tax Holiday, Termination Date Income Tax Holiday, Termination Date Income Tax Holiday, Commencement Date Income Tax Holiday, Commencement Date Income Tax Holiday, Commencement Date - The date on which the special tax status will commence. Income Tax Holiday, Description Income Tax Holiday, Description Income Tax Reconciliation, Income Tax Expense (Benefit), at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Foreign, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Foreign, Amount Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Amount Income Tax Reconciliation, Other Adjustments Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Beginning Balance Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Ending Balance Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Adjustment to Return Reserve [Member] Adjustment to Return Reserve [Member] Adjustment to Return Reserve [Member] Humalog [Member] Humalog [Member] Humalog [Member] Humulin [Member] Humulin [Member] Humulin [Member] Forteo [Member] Forteo [Member] Forteo [Member] Evista [Member] Evista [Member] Evista [Member] Other Endocrinology [Member] Other Endocrinology [Member] Other Endocrinology [Member] Endocrinology [Member] Endocrinology [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Endocrinology Trulicity [Member] [Member] Trulicity [Member] [Member] Trulicity [Member] [Member] Zyprexa [Member] Zyprexa [Member] Zyprexa [Member] Strattera [Member] Strattera [Member] Strattera [Member] Other Neuroscience [Member] Other Neuroscience [Member] Other Neuroscience [Member] Other Pharmaceuticals [Member] Other Pharmaceuticals [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Other pharmaceuticals Alimta [Member] Alimta [Member] Alimta [Member] Cyramza [Member] Cyramza [Member] [Domain] Cyramza [Member] [Domain] Other Oncology [Member] Other Oncology [Member] Other Oncology [Member] Oncology [Member] Oncology [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Oncology Cialis [Member] Cialis [Member] Cialis [Member] Other Cardiovascular [Member] Other Cardiovascular [Member] Other Cardiovascular [Member] Cardiovascular [Member] Cardiovascular [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Cardiovascular Neuroscience [Member] Neuroscience [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Neuroscience Total segment [Member] Total segment [Member] Total segment [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Europe [Member] Europe [Member] JAPAN JAPAN Other Foreign Countries [Member] Other Foreign Countries [Member] Other Foreign Countries [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Other Depreciation and Amortization Other Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Long-Lived Assets Long-Lived Assets Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges Selling, General and Administrative Expense Income before income taxes Concentration Risk, Percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Acquired in-process research and development Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Additional Income Tax Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Additional Income Tax Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Additional Income Tax Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Text Block] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Equity Securities - International [Member] Equity Securities - International [Member] Equity Securities - International [Member] Fixed Income Funds Developed Markets [Member] Fixed Income Funds Developed Markets [Member] An investment that pools funds from many investors to invest in a combination of underlying investments, primarily fixed income investments in DEVELOPED MARKETS. Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Beginning Balance Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Ending Balance Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Beginning Balance Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet, Total Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Maturity Date, 2020 [Member] Maturity Date, 2021 [Member] [Member] Maturity Date, 2021 [Member] Maturity Date, 2017 [Member] Maturity Date, 2017 [Member] Maturity Date, 2017 [Member] Maturity Date, 2019 [Member] Maturity Date, 2019 [Member] Maturity Date, 2019 [Member] Maturity Date, 2018 [Member] Maturity Date, 2018 [Member] Maturity Date, 2018 Maturity Date, 2024 [Member] Maturity Date, 2024 [Member] Maturity Date, 2024 [Member] Maturity Date, 2028 [Member] Maturity Date, 2028 [Member] Maturity Date, 2028 [Member] Swiss Franc-Denominated Debt Issuance [Member] Swiss Franc-Denominated Debt Issuance [Member] Swiss Franc-Denominated Debt Issuance [Member] Maturity Date, 2025 [Member] Maturity Date, 2025 [Member] Maturity Date, 2025 [Member] Maturity Date, 2045 [Member] Maturity Date, 2045 [Member] Maturity Date, 2045 [Member] Maturity Date, 2022 [Member] [Member] Maturity Date, 2022 [Member] [Member] Maturity Date, 2022 [Member] Maturity Date, 2026 [Member] Maturity Date, 2026 [Member] Maturity Date, 2026 [Member] Maturity Date, 2030 [Member] Maturity Date, 2030 [Member] Maturity Date, 2030 [Member] Euro-Denominated Debt Issuance [Member] Euro-Denominated Debt Issuance [Member] Euro-Denominated Debt Issuance Maturity Date, 2044 [Member] Maturity Date, 2044 [Member] Maturity Date, 2044 [Member] Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Notes Payable Notes Payable Other Notes Payable Other Notes Payable Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Long-term Debt, Fair Value Adjustment Fair value adjustment to carrying value of long term debt to arrive at total fair value. Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount 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 Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Interest Paid, Net Interest Paid, Net Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Change in Retiree Health Plan - Impact on Unrecognized Prior Service Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment on Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses) Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Rent Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Rent Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments [Axis] Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments [Axis] Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments [Axis] Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments [Domain] Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments [Domain] [Domain] for Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments [Axis] Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments Valued at Net Asset Value [Member] Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments Valued at Net Asset Value [Member] Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments Valued at Net Asset Value [Member] Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the Net Asset Value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient and are not classified in the fair value heirarchy. Fixed Income Funds [Member] Fixed Income Funds [Member] Fixed Income Funds - Repurchased Agreements [Member] Fixed Income Funds - Repurchased Agreements [Member] Fixed Income Funds - Repurchased Agreements [Member] Equity Funds [Member] Equity Funds [Member] Fixed Income Funds, Emerging Markets [Member] Fixed Income Funds Emerging Markets [Member] An investment that pools funds from many investors to invest in a combination of underlying investments, primarily fixed income investments in EMERGING MARKETS. Hedge Funds [Member] Hedge Funds [Member] Real Estate [Member] Real Estate [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Percentage of Global Investments in Plan Assets Percentage description of US defined benefit and other postretirement plan assets as compared to the total global investment balance Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Still Held Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Still Held Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Sold During Period Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Sold During Period Defined Benefit Plan, Purchases, Sales, and Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Purchases, Sales, and Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Transfers Between Measurement Levels Defined Benefit Plan, Transfers Between Measurement Levels Other - Net, Expense (Income) [Text Block] Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] Prepaid expenses and other Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Other Deferred Liability Other noncurrent liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle Not Yet Adopted, Estimated Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity Upon Adoption New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle Not Yet Adopted, Estimated Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity Upon Adoption New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle Not Yet Adopted, Estimated Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity Upon Adoption Retirement Benefits [Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Trust for Benefit of Employees [Member] Trust for Benefit of Employees [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Shares, Beginning Balance Shares, Issued Shareholders' equity, Beginning Balance Cash dividends Dividends Retirement of treasury shares, shares Retirement of treasury shares, value Purchase of treasury shares, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Purchase of treasury shares, value 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, value Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Shareholders' equity, Ending Balance Shares, Ending Balance Asset Impairments, Restructuring, And Other Special Charges [Text Block] Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both, Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions [Text Block] Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [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] Change in deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Other non-cash operating activities, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Other changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Receivables - (increase) decrease Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Inventories - (increase) decrease Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other assets - (increase) decrease Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Accounts payable and other liabilties-increase (decrease) Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment Disposals of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Other Property, Plant, and Equipment Cash released (restricted) for pending acquisition Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments Proceeds from Sale of Short-term Investments Purchases of short-term investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments Proceeds from sales of noncurrent investments Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Other Investments Purchases of noncurrent investments Payments to Acquire Other Investments Proceeds from sale of product rights Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Purchase of product rights Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Purchases of in-process research and development Payments to Acquire in Process Research and Development Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired 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 Net Cash Used in Financing Activities [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Net change in short-term borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Repayments of long-term debt Purchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Other financing activities, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net Cash Used for 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 beginning of year Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year Operating Expenses Operating Expenses Other-net, (income) expense Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Share Price Share Price