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] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Erbitux Acquisition [Member] Erbitux Acquisition [Member] Erbitux Acquisition [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] 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] Sales [Member] Acquisition Terms - Contingent Consideration [Member] Acquisition Terms - Contingent Consideration [Member] Revenue Share [Member] Revenue Share [Member] Revenue sharing evidenced through collaboration partner's issuance of a secured note. 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. Selling and Marketing Expense [Member] Selling and Marketing Expense [Member] Research and Development Exp [Member] Research and Development Expense [Member] Research and Development and Marketing and Selling Expense [Member] Research And Development And Marketing And Selling Expense [Member] R&D and Selling & Mktg Expense share pursuant to a collaborative arrangement. 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] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Expensed [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Expensed [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Expensed [Member] Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, First Indication [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, First Indication [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, First Indication [Member] Royalty Agreement Terms [Member] Royalty Agreement Terms [Member] Upfront Payment [Member] Upfront Payment [Member] Upfront payment made in accordance with the terms of a collaborative arrangement. Collaborative Arrangement [Member] Collaborative Arrangement [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States [Member] UNITED STATES Outside the United States [Member] Outside United States [Member] Outside the United States Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Erbitux API [Member] Erbitux API [Member] Erbitux API [Member] Bi Compounds [Member] Bi Compounds [Member] describes BI's compounds contributed to the diabetes collaboration -- linagliptin and BI10773. Lly Compounds [Member] Basaglar [Member] Basaglar [Member] Erbitux [Member] Erbitux [Member] Erbitux [Member] Effient [Member] Effient [Member] Effient [Member] Solanezumab [Member] Solanezumab [Member] Solanezumab [Member] Trajenta (BI) [Member] Trajenta (BI) [Member] Trajenta (BI) [Member] Jardiance (BI) [Member] Jardiance (BI) [Member] Jardiance (BI) [Member] Baricitinib [Member] Baricitinib [Member] Baricitinib [Member] Tanezumab [Member] Tanezumab [Member] Tanezumab [Member] BACE Inhibitor [Member] BACE (AZ) Inhibitor [Member] BACE Inhibitor (AZ) [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Collaboration and other revenue Other Revenue, Net Revenue Revenues Research and development Research and Development Expense Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Terms Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Terms Terms or rights and obligations under collaborative arrangements. Nonoperating Income (Expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Marketing, selling, and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Amount Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Amount Label: Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations Element ID: us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementRightsAndObligations Balance Type: na Data Type: MONETARY Period Type: duration --------------------------------------------------------------------- Definition: Description of rights and obligations under the collaborative arrangements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 07-1 -Paragraph 21 -Subparagraph b Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Terms of Arrangement, Period 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. Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated 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. Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory 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, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Acquired in-process research and development 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) Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other - Net, Expense (Income) [Text Block] Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters [Abstract] Contingencies [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [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 Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 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] 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 Net payments for terminations of interest rate swaps Payments for (Proceeds from) Hedge, Operating Activities The net cash outflow or inflow for a financial contract that meets the hedge criteria as either cash flow hedge, fair value hedge or hedge of net investment in foreign operations. 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Purchase of product rights Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets 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 Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayment of long-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 Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities 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Segment [Table Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] 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] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of 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cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Investments Long-term Investments Goodwill Goodwill Other intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Sundry Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Assets, Noncurrent Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Land, buildings, equipment, and construction in progress Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net 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 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[Member] Innovent Biologics, Inc. [Member] Innovent Biologics, Inc. [Member] Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. [Member] Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. [Member] Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. 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and Equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets held for sale 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 Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Purchased in-process research and development Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value 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Value Disclosure Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Debt extinguishment loss Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Derivative Assets, Current Derivative Asset, Current Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Other, Percentage of Nonperforming Assets Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Other, Percentage of Nonperforming Assets Maximum Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Maximum Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate 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 Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Derivative Assets, Noncurrent Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Derivative Liabilities, Current Derivative Liability, Current Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Gain Position, Fair Value ------------------------------------------ Definition: This item represents the fair value of securities in an unrealized gain position which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. 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 Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities 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 Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Current Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Current Available-for-sale Securities, Current, Total Available-for-sale Securities, Current Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Noncurrent Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Noncurrent Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Noncurrent Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Noncurrent Other Long-term Investments Other Long-term Investments Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent, Total Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net Notional Amount of Nonderivative Instruments Derivative, Remaining Maturity Derivative, Remaining Maturity Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Investment Income, Interest Investment Income, Interest Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Financial Instruments [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] 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. Product Liability Litigation [Member] Product Liability Litigation [Member] Matters related to product liability litigation Lilly Portion [Member] Lilly Portion [Member] Lilly Portion [Member] Takeda Portion [Member] Takeda Portion [Member] Takeda Portion [Member] Employee Litigation [Member] Employee Litigation [Member] Employee Litigation [Member] CANADA CANADA ONTARIO ONTARIO QUEBEC QUEBEC ALBERTA ALBERTA CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA Brazil [Member] BRAZIL Other states [Member] Other states [Member] Other states [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Damages from Product, Cancer [Member] Damages from Product, Cancer [Member] Damages from Product, Cancer [Member] Compensatory Damages [Member] Compensatory Damages [Member] Compensatory Damages [Member] Punitive Damages [Member] Punitive Damages [Member] Punitive Damages [Member] Byetta [Member] Byetta [Member] Byetta Cymbalta [Member] Cymbalta [Member] Cymbalta [Member] Prozac [Member] Prozac [Member] Prozac [Member] Actos [Member] Actos [Member] Actos [Member] Loss Contingency, Number of Lawsuits Number of lawsuits in a particular litigation or loss contingency. Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Claimants The number of claimants in a given litigation or loss contingency Loss Contingency, Number of Cases The number of cases pursuant to a particular litigation or loss contingency. Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Litigation Settlement, Amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Loss Contingency, Parties Jointly and Severally Liable in Litigation, Actual Opt In, Percent Loss Contingency, Parties Jointly and Severally Liable in Litigation, Actual Opt In, Percent Loss Contingency, Parties Jointly and Severally Liable in Litigation, Actual Opt In, Percent Acquisitions [Text Block] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] IRELAND IRELAND Animal Health [Member] Animal Health [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Animal health Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Severance Costs Severance Costs Asset Impairment Charges Asset Impairment Charges Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Income Statement [Abstract] Costs, expenses, and other: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Other - net, (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: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Shares used in calculation of earnings per share: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Dividends paid per share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid 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] Other Pharmaceuticals [Member] Other Pharmaceuticals [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Other pharmaceuticals Other Endocrinology [Member] Other Endocrinology [Member] Other Endocrinology [Member] Total Endocrinology [Member] Endocrinology [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Endocrinology Humalog [Member] Humalog [Member] Humalog [Member] Humulin [Member] Humulin [Member] Humulin [Member] Forteo [Member] Forteo [Member] Forteo [Member] 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] Total Neuroscience [Member] Neuroscience [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Neuroscience Alimta [Member] Alimta [Member] Alimta [Member] Other Oncology [Member] Other Oncology [Member] Other Oncology [Member] Total Oncology [Member] Oncology [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Oncology Cialis [Member] Cialis [Member] Cialis [Member] Other Cardiovascular [Member] Other Cardiovascular [Member] Other Cardiovascular [Member] Total Cardiovascular [Member] Cardiovascular [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Cardiovascular Cyramza [Member] Cyramza [Member] Cyramza [Member] Animal Health Products [Member] Animal Health Products [Member] Animal Health Products [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Depreciation Depreciation Income before income taxes Acquired in-process research and development Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges Amortization of Intangible Assets Cost of sales Marketing, selling, and administrative Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborations [Text Block] Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Description of Derivative Risk Management Policy Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [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 Adjustment, 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), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost Arising During Period, before Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, 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, before 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, for Net (Gain) Loss, 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, for Net (Gain) Loss, 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), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax 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 for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of 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, 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, Other, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income, Other, 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), Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Total Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Pension Contributions Pension Contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions, Estimated Future Discretionary Contributions Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions, Discretionary Contributions Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions, Discretionary Contributions Definition: The amount of discretionary cash or cash equivalents contributed during the reporting period by the entity to fund its pension plans and its postretirement benefit plans. Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Investment Income, Interest Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized Other (income)expense Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Axis] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Axis] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] 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] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Diabetes Collaboration [Member] Diabetes Collaboration [Member] Diabetes Collaboration [Member] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount