Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] 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, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Fiscal Year 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. Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Accounting Policies [Abstract] Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Revenue Revenues Cost of sales Cost of Goods Sold Research and development Research and Development Expense Marketing, selling, and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Acquired in-process research and development The amount of EXPENSE related to research and development assets that are acquired in a business combination (pre-141R) and/or licensing arrangement that have no alternative future use and are therefore written off in the period of acquisition (INCOME STATEMENT) Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges 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 Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Weighted-average number of common shares oustanding, including incremental shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Basic Weighted-average number of common shares oustanding, including incremental shares and stock options Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract] Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Text Block] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Long-term Debt, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract] Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventory, Current [Table] Inventory, Current [Table] Inventory [Axis] Inventory [Axis] Inventory [Domain] Inventory [Domain] Inventory [Line Items] Inventory [Line Items] 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 Inventory, Net Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy 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] Net income 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 realized investment gains Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments Impairment charges, indefinite lived intangibles Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill) Acquired in-process research and development, net of tax Research and development assets that are acquired in a business combination and/or licensing arrangement that have no alternative future use and are therefore written off in the period of acquisition, net of tax Income related to termination of the exenatide collaboration with Amylin Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination Proceeds from 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. Other non-cash operating activities, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions 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) 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 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 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 Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Proceeds from prepayment of revenue-sharing obligation Proceeds from Sale of Intangible Assets Other investing activities, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net Cash 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 Repayments 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 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 Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year Segment Reporting [Abstract] 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] 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] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Erbitux [Member] Erbitux [Member] Erbitux [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] Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] CANADA CANADA CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA Other states [Member] Other states [Member] Other states [Member] Brazil [Member] BRAZIL 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] Byetta [Member] Byetta [Member] Byetta 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. Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value 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 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] Secured Note [Member] Secured Note [Member] Secured Note [Member] 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 [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory [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. 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. Gross Margin Share [Member] Gross Margin Share [Member] Gross Margin Share pursuant to a collaborative arrangement. Royalty Payments Received [Member] Royalty Agreement Terms [Member] Collaborative Arrangement [Member] Collaborative Arrangement [Member] United States [Member] UNITED STATES Outside the United States [Member] Outside United States [Member] Outside the United States Trajenta (BI) [Member] Trajenta (BI) [Member] Trajenta (BI) [Member] Effient [Member] Effient [Member] Effient [Member] Amylin [Member] Amylin [Member] Relates to all collaborative arrangements with Amylin. Solanezumab [Member] Solanezumab [Member] Solanezumab [Member] Boerhringer Ingelheim (BI) [Member] Boerhringer Ingelheim Bi [Member] To describe the diabetes collaboration with Boerhinger Ingelheim (BI), which includes BI's 2 oral diabetes agents, linagliptin and BI10773 as well as Lilly's 2 basal insulin analogues, LY260551 & LY2963016, and 1 optional anti-TGF-beta monoclonal antibody. BI compounds [Member] Bi Compounds [Member] describes BI's compounds contributed to the diabetes collaboration -- linagliptin and BI10773. 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] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Collaboration and other revenue Other Revenue, Net Total Revenue 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. 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. Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage 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 Combinations [Abstract] Acquisitions [Text Block] Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative, Name [Domain] Buy euro Sell US dollar [Member] Buy Euro Sell Us Dollar [Member] Foreign Currency Forward Commitment to Buy euro Sell US dollar Buy USD Sell Euro [Member] Buy USD Sell Euro [Member] Buy USD Sell Euro [Member] Buy GBP Sell Euro [Member] Buy GBP Sell Euro [Member] Buy GBP Sell Euro [Member] Buy USD Sell Japanese Yen [Member] Buy US dollar Sell Japanese Yen [Member] Buy US dollar Sell Japanese Yen [Member] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Equity Method and Other Investments [Member] Equity Method And Other Investments [Member] Equity Method and Other Investments [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost [Member] Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost [Member] This item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any. Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Hedged Fixed-Rate Debt [Member] Hedged Fixed Rate Debt [Member] Hedged Fixed-Rate Debt [Member] Equity Contract [Member] Equity Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Commercial Paper Commercial Paper Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Long-term Debt Long-term 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 Variable Interest, Percentage Rate Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge 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 Liability, Noncurrent Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Derivative Liabilities, Current Derivative Liability, Current 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 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 Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities 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 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 Two Through Five, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, 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 Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Derivative, Remaining Maturity Derivative, Remaining Maturity Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets by Measurement [Axis] Fair Value Plan Asset Measurement [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Fixed Income Funds [Member] Fixed Income Funds [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. Equity Funds [Member] Equity Funds [Member] Equity Securities - International [Member] Equity Securities - International [Member] Equity Securities - International [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] Other Contract [Member] Other Contract [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, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Ending Balance Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets, Beginning Balance 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 Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Other - Net, Expense (Income) [Text Block] Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Change in foreign currency translation gains (losses) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Change in defined benefit pension and retiree health benefit plans Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax Change in effective portion of cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Provision for income taxes related to other comprehensive income (loss) items Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Beginning Balance Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost 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, 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, 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 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 Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] 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] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [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] Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Animal Health Products [Member] Animal Health Products [Member] Animal Health Products [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 Goodwill Goodwill Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (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. Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [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] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies, 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] Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Text Block] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [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] Share-based Arrangements with Employees and Nonemployees [Abstract] 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] Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense 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, 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, 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, Nonvested, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number 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, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited 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 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Terms of Award Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Cymbalta [Member] Cymbalta [Member] Cymbalta [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] Zyprexa [Member] Zyprexa [Member] Zyprexa [Member] Strattera [Member] Strattera [Member] Strattera [Member] Other Neuroscience [Member] Other Neuroscience [Member] Other Neuroscience [Member] Alimta [Member] Alimta [Member] Alimta [Member] Other Oncology [Member] Other Oncology [Member] Other Oncology [Member] Cialis [Member] Cialis [Member] Cialis [Member] Other Cardiovascular [Member] Other Cardiovascular [Member] Other Cardiovascular [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Total segment [Member] Total segment [Member] Total segment [Member] Endocrinology [Member] Endocrinology [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Endocrinology Neuroscience [Member] Neuroscience [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Neuroscience Oncology [Member] Oncology [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Oncology Cardiovascular [Member] Cardiovascular [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Cardiovascular Other Pharmaceuticals [Member] Other Pharmaceuticals [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Other pharmaceuticals Human Pharmaceutical Products Total [Member] Pharmaceutical Products Total [Member] The sum of revenue from pharmaceutical products. 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] 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 Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination 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] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Accounts receivable, allowances Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Issued shares, shares in thousands Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock shares in treasury, shares in thousands Treasury Stock, Shares Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract] Operating Expenses Operating Expenses Other-net, (income) expense Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Share Price Share Price Extraordinary and Unusual Items [Abstract] Asset Impairments, Restructuring, And Other Special Charges [Text Block] Unusual or Infrequent Items Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] 2000 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 2000 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 2000 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 2012 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 2012 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 2012 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member] Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common Stock, Shares Held in Employee Trust, Shares Common Stock, Shares Held in Employee Trust, Shares Employee benefit trust Common Stock, Shares Held in Employee Trust Other comprehensive income (loss) 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, Future Amortization of Gain (Loss) 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 Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent 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 Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gain (Loss), before Tax Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Actuarial Gain (Loss), before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Unusual or Infrequent Item [Table] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Table] PUERTO RICO PUERTO RICO Xigris [Member] Xigris [Member] Related to Xigris. Device Delivery Platform [Member] Device Delivery Platform [Member] Device Delivery Platform [Member] Liprotamase [Member] Liprotamase [Member] Liprotamase [Member] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Axis] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Axis] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Domain] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Domain] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items] Asset Impairment Charges Asset Impairment Charges Severance Costs Severance Costs Financial Instruments [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Assets Abstract Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments Short-term Investments Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $55.0 (2014) and $62.2 (2013) Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Other receivables Accounts and Other Receivables, Net, Current Inventories Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Other Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Investments Long-term Investments Other intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Sundry Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Assets, Noncurrent Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Total assets Assets Liabilities and Shareholders' 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 Dividends payable Dividends Payable, Current Income taxes payable Taxes Payable, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Accrued retirement benefits Long-term income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total other liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Employee benefit trust Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Cost of common stock in treasury Treasury Stock, Value Total Eli Lilly and Company shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unusual or Infrequent Items [Table Text Block] Income Taxes [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [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 stock, shares Retirement of treasury stock, value Purchase for treasury, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Purchase for treasury, 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 Stockholders' equity, other Stockholders' Equity, Other Shareholders' equity, Ending Balance Shares, Ending Balance Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit, Gross [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Gross [Member] Refers to amounts related to other postretirement benefit plans, gross of deduction(s) Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit Plans, Medicare Rebates [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Plans Medicare Rebates [Member] Amount of the reduction in the future expected benefit payments for the government subsidy related to prescription drug benefits attributed to past service. Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year, Description Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year, Minimum Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year, Minimum Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year One Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets 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, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses) Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Total Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before Tax Defined Benefit Plan, Amount to be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Amount to be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Next Fiscal Year Foreign currency translation gains (losses) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Change in defined benefit pension and retiree health benefit plans Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year, Description Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year, Discretionary Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year, Discretionary Domestic 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 Taxes Paid Income Taxes Paid 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 Income Tax Reconciliation, Deductions, Extraterritorial Income Exclusion Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Extraterritorial Income Exclusion, 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 Income taxes 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, Increase 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 Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority 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 Earnings per share [Axis] Earnings per share [Axis] Earnings per share [Axis] Earnings per share [Domain] Earnings per share [Domain] [Domain] for Earnings per share [Axis] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] 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), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, 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 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), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, 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 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] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] U.S. Sentinel Product Line [Member] U.S. Sentinel Product Line [Member] U.S. Sentinel Product Line [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] ChemGen [Member] ChemGen [Member] ChemGen [Member] Lohmann Animal Health [Member] Lohmann Animal Health [Member] Lohmann Animal Health [Member] Novartis Animal Health [Member] Novartis Animal Health [Member] Novartis Animal Health [Member] Immunocore Limited [Member] Immunocore Limited [Member] Immunocore Limited [Member] AstraZeneca [Member] AstraZeneca [Member] AstraZeneca [Member] Adocia [Member] Adocia [Member] Adocia [Member] Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses 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 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 Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net 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. 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, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent 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 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 Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Maturity Date, 2019 [Member] Maturity Date, 2019 [Member] Maturity Date, 2019 [Member] Maturity Date, 2015 [Member] Maturity Date, 2015 [Member] Maturity Date, 2015 [Member] Maturity Date, 2044 [Member] Maturity Date, 2044 [Member] Maturity Date, 2044 [Member] Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Repayments of Long-term Debt Notes Payable Notes Payable Other Notes Payable Other Notes Payable 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 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 Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Collaborations [Text Block] Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment [Abstract] Property and Equipment [Abstract] Depreciation Depreciation Land Land Buildings Buildings and Improvements, Gross Equipment Machinery and Equipment, Gross Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Interest Costs, Capitalized During Period Interest Costs Capitalized Operating Leases, Rent Expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Building [Member] Building [Member] Equipment [Member] Equipment [Member] Average Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Average Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 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] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] 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] Other Tax Carryforward Data by Item [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Other Tax 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 5 years [Member] Expiration within 5 years [Member] Expiration within 5 years [Member] Expiration 5-20 years [Member] Expiration 5 to 15 Years [Member] Expiration 5 to 15 Years [Member] Expiration 5-20 years, Minimum [Member] Expiration 5 to 15 Years Minimum [Member] Expiration 5 to 15 Years Minimum [Member] Expiration 5-20 years, Maximum [Member] Expiration 5 to 15 Years Maximum [Member] Expiration 5 to 15 Years Maximum [Member] Expiration 10-20 years [Member] Expiration2015to2021 [Member] Expiration2015to2021 [Member] Expiration 10-20 years, Maximum [Member] Expiration1020 Years Maximum [Member] The MAXIMUM expiration date of each operating loss/tax credit carryforward/carryback included within the applicable range of such expiration dates. 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. 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) Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Tax Credit Carryforward, Deferred Tax Asset Tax Credit Carryforward, Deferred Tax Asset Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Reserves Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Reserves 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 Assets, Inventory Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory 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 Assets (Liabilities), Net, Total Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Other Tax Carryforward, Expiration Dates 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 Other Revenue, Net Interest Expense Investment Income, Interest Investment Income, Interest Other (income)expense Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Contingencies [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Shareholders' Equity [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]