Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Foreign Currency Denominated Debt Foreign Currency Denominated Debt [Member] Foreign Currency Denominated Debt [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Buy USD Sell Euro Buy USD Sell Euro [Member] Buy USD Sell Euro [Member] Buy euro Sell US dollar Buy Euro Sell Us Dollar [Member] Foreign Currency Forward Commitment to Buy euro Sell US dollar Buy GBP Sell USD Buy GBP Sell USD [Member] Buy GBP Sell USD Buy US dollar Sell British pound Buy US dollar Sell British pound [Member] Buy US dollar Sell British pound [Member] Buy USD Sell Japanese Yen Buy US dollar Sell Japanese Yen [Member] Buy US dollar Sell Japanese Yen [Member] Buy Swiss francs Sell US dollar Buy Swiss francs Sell US dollar [Member] Buy Swiss francs Sell US dollar [Member] Cash flow hedges: Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Contract Interest Rate Contract [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Amount derecognized Transfer of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sales, Amount Derecognized Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized during the year Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Change on the fair value of contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Variable rate (in percentage) Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate Average remaining maturity of foreign currency derivatives Average Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Derivative liability, notional amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative asset, notional amount Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Payments for (Proceeds from) Hedge, Operating Activities 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. Maximum remaining maturity of foreign currency derivatives (in days) Maximum Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Long-term debt Long-term Debt 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 Percentage of nonperforming assets (in percentage) Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Other, Percentage of Nonperforming Assets Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Research and Development Assets Acquired Other than Through Business Combination Schedule of Research and Development Assets Acquired Other than Through Business Combination [Table Text Block] Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other - Net, Expense (Income) Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [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 Performance Shares [Member] Shareholder Value Awards 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) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Number of shares available for grant (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Award vesting period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Weighted average grant date fair value (in usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares issued in period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Shares expected to be issued (in shares) 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. Total compensation cost not yet recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Period for recognition of the compensation cost not yet recognized (in months) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Expected dividend yield (in percentage) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Risk-free interest rate (in percentage) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Volatility (in percentage) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Grants in period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Rent Expense Schedule of Rent Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Retirement Plan Name [Domain] Retirement Plan Name [Domain] Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments [Axis] Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments [Axis] Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments [Axis] Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments [Domain] Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments [Domain] [Domain] for Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments [Axis] Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments Valued at Net Asset Value Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments Valued at Net Asset Value [Member] Fair Value, Retirement Benefits, Investments Valued at Net Asset Value [Member] Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the Net Asset Value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient and are not classified in the fair value heirarchy. Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] U.S. Equity Securities [Member] International Equity Securities - International [Member] Equity Securities - International [Member] Developed markets Fixed Income Funds [Member] Developed markets - repurchase agreements Fixed Income Funds - Repurchased Agreements [Member] Fixed Income Funds - Repurchased Agreements [Member] Emerging markets 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 Hedge Funds [Member] Equity-like funds Equity Funds [Member] Cash value of trust owned insurance contract Other Contract [Member] Real estate Real Estate [Member] Other Other Assets [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Defined Benefit Pension Plans Pension Plan [Member] Retiree Health Benefit Plans Postretirement Health Coverage [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Line Items] [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Asset Impairments, Restructuring, And Other Special Charges Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] 2013 Share Repurchase Program 2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member] Statement [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Purchase for treasury Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Stock repurchase program, authorized amount (in shares) Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Remaining authorized repurchase amount (in shares) Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Shares held in employee trust (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Held in Employee Trust, Shares Employee benefit trust Common Stock, Shares Held in Employee Trust New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Foreign currency translation gains/losses Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Unrealized net gains/losses on securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Defined benefit pension and retiree health benefit plans Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Reclassification Adjustment, Tax Effective portion of cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Benefit/(provision) for income taxes allocated to other comprehensive income (loss) items Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Long-term Debt, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Notes Due in May 2022 Notes Due in May Twenty Twenty Two [Member] Notes Due in May Twenty Two [Member] Notes Due in May 2027 Notes Due in May Twenty Twenty Seven [Member] Notes Due in May Twenty Seven [Member] Notes Due in 2047 Notes Due in Twenty Forty Seven [Member] Notes Due in Twenty Forty Seven [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Maturity Date, 2021 Maturity Date, 2021 [Member] [Member] Maturity Date, 2021 [Member] Maturity Date, 2017 Maturity Date, 2017 [Member] Maturity Date, 2017 [Member] Maturity Date, 2018 Maturity Date, 2018 [Member] Maturity Date, 2018 Maturity Date, 2024 Maturity Date, 2024 [Member] Maturity Date, 2024 [Member] Maturity Date, 2028 Maturity Date, 2028 [Member] Maturity Date, 2028 [Member] Swiss Franc-Denominated Debt Issuance Swiss Franc-Denominated Debt Issuance [Member] Swiss Franc-Denominated Debt Issuance [Member] Maturity Date, 2025 Maturity Date, 2025 [Member] Maturity Date, 2025 [Member] Maturity Date, 2045 Maturity Date, 2045 [Member] Maturity Date, 2045 [Member] Maturity Date, 2022 Maturity Date, 2022 [Member] [Member] Maturity Date, 2022 [Member] Maturity Date, 2026 Maturity Date, 2026 [Member] Maturity Date, 2026 [Member] Maturity Date, 2030 Maturity Date, 2030 [Member] Maturity Date, 2030 [Member] Euro-Denominated Debt Issuance Euro-Denominated Debt Issuance [Member] Euro-Denominated Debt Issuance Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Weighted average interest rate (in percentage) Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity 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, outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Stated interest rate (in percentage) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Extinguishment of debt Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Debt extinguishment loss (Note 10) Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Proceeds from issuance of secured debt Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt Description of derivative activity volume percent 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 Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage (in percentage) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Cash payments for interest on borrowings Interest Paid, Net Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent 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 and losses on securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Change in defined benefit pension and retiree health benefit plans (Note 14) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification 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 Benefit (provision) for income taxes related to other comprehensive income (loss) items Net other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Retirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Total Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Less Than 1 Year Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value 1-5 Years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value 6-10 Years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value More Than 10 Years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Short-term commercial paper borrowings Commercial Paper 0.00 to 7.13 percent long-term notes (due 2018-2047) Notes Payable Other long-term debt, including capitalized leases Other Notes Payable Unamortized debt issuance costs Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Fair value adjustment on hedged long-term notes Long-term Debt, Fair Value Adjustment Fair value adjustment to carrying value of long term debt to arrive at total fair value. Total debt Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount Less current portion Debt, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash flow hedges: Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Net investment hedges: Net Investment Hedging [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Cross-currency interest rate swaps Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract Foreign Exchange Contract [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] U.S. government and agency securities US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] Corporate debt securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Other securities Other Debt Obligations [Member] Mortgage-backed securities Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Asset-backed securities Asset-backed Securities [Member] Marketable equity securities Cost and equity method investments Equity Method And Other Investments [Member] Equity Method and Other Investments [Member] Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Statement [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Short-term investments: Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] Short-term investments, debt securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current Short-term investments Available-for-sale Securities, Current Noncurrent investments: Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Noncurrent investments, debt securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Noncurrent Marketable equity securities Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Noncurrent Cost and equity method investments Other Long-term Investments Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent, Total Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent Other receivables Derivative Asset, Current Sundry Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Other current liabilities Derivative Liability, Current Other noncurrent liabilities Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Other current liabilities Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current Other noncurrent liabilities Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Schedule of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Revenue Revenues Cost of sales Cost of Goods Sold Operating Expenses Operating Expenses 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) Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges (Note 5) Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Other-net, (income) expense Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income taxes (Note 13) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Basic (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Dividends paid per share (usd per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Common stock closing prices(usd per share) Share Price Hedged Fixed Rate Debt Hedged Fixed Rate Debt [Member] Hedged Fixed-Rate Debt [Member] Fair Value Hedge [Abstract] Fair Value Hedge [Abstract] Fair Value Hedge [Abstract] Effect from hedged fixed-rate debt Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Effect from interest rate contracts Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments Cash Flow Hedge [Abstract] Cash Flow Hedge [Abstract] Cash Flow Hedge [Abstract] Effective portion of losses on interest rate contracts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion Net (gains) losses on foreign currency exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Effective portion of risk-management instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Amortization of retirement benefit items: Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Prior service benefits, net Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Unrealized Net Gains (Losses) on Securities Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Impairment losses Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Other, net of tax Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges and Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges and Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses) Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Amortization of retirement benefit items: Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Total before tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income taxes (Note 13) Net of tax Other, net of tax Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Gain (Loss) on Investments Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Unrealized gross gains Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Unrealized gross losses Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Fair value of securities in an unrealized gain position 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. Fair value of securities in an unrealized loss position Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Accounting Policies [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investment Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Expense Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Postemployment Benefit Obligations Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Postemployment Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Funded Status Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet 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 Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets 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 Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Acquisitions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Outside US Outside United States [Member] Outside the United States PUERTO RICO PUERTO RICO United States UNITED STATES Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Severance costs Severance Costs Payments for restructuring Payments for Restructuring Asset impairment charges Tangible Asset Impairment Charges Impairment of intangibles Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Asset impairment (gains from facility sales) and other special charges: Asset Impairment Charges Document & Entity Information [Abstract] Document & Entity Information [Abstract] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Information, Document [Axis] Document Information, Document [Axis] Document [Domain] Document [Domain] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Common Stock in Treasury Treasury Stock [Member] Employee Benefit Trust Trust for Benefit of Employees [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Shares, Beginning Balance Shares, Issued Shareholders' equity, Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Cash dividends declared Dividends Retirement of treasury shares, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired Retirement of treasury shares Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Purchase of treasury shares, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Purchase of treasury shares Issuance of stock under employee stock plans, net, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Issuance of stock under employee stock plans, net Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Stock-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Reclassification of stranded tax effects - provisional (Note 2) Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Shareholders' equity, Ending Balance Shares, Ending Balance Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Sundry Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan Other current liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Accrued retirement benefits Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss before income taxes Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax Net amount recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position Unrecognized net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Gain (Loss), Next Fiscal Year Unrecognized prior service (benefit) cost Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit), Next Fiscal Year Total Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization, Next Fiscal Year Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Additional Income Tax Disclosures Schedule of Additional Income Tax Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Additional Income Tax Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Summary of Income Tax Contingencies Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [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] 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] Collaborative Arrangement Collaborative Arrangement [Member] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Diabetes Collaboration Diabetes Collaboration [Member] Diabetes Collaboration [Member] Erbitux Erbitux [Member] Erbitux [Member] Effient Effient [Member] Effient [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Erbitux Acquisition Erbitux Acquisition [Member] Erbitux Acquisition [Member] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table Text Block] Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] 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] Marketed products Developed Technology Rights [Member] Other Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-lived intangible assets: Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Carrying Amount, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Carrying Amount, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Other Intangibles, gross Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Other intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Change in benefit obligation: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Benefit obligation at beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Plan amendments Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment Curtailment Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Curtailment Special termination benefit Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Special and Contractual Termination Benefits Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other adjustments Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Benefit obligation at end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Employer contribution Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other adjustments Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Fair value of plan assets at end of year Funded status Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan Unrecognized net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Unrecognized prior service (benefit) cost Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Income Statement [Abstract] Costs, expenses, and other: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Research and development Research and Development Expense Marketing, selling, and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Acquired in-process research and development (Notes 3 and 4) Other—net, (income) expense (Note 17) 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 Net income (loss) Earnings (loss) per share: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Shares used in calculation of earnings (loss) per share: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Tanezumab Tanezumab [Member] Tanezumab [Member] U.S. Sentinel Product Line U.S. Sentinel Product Line [Member] U.S. Sentinel Product Line [Member] Boehringer Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.'s U.S. Vaccine Portfolio [Member] Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.'s U.S. Feline, Canine, and Rabies Vaccine Portfolio Novartis Animal Health Novartis Animal Health [Member] Novartis Animal Health [Member] CoLucid Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (CoLucid) CoLucid Pharmaceuticals [Member] CoLucid Pharmaceuticals [Member] KeyBioscience AG (KeyBioscience) KeyBioscience's Dual Amylin Calcitonin Receptor Agonists [Member] KeyBioscience's Dual Amylin Calcitonin Receptor Agonists [Member] Nektar Therapeutics (Nektar) Nektar's Phase I Immunological Therapy [Member] Nektar's Phase I Immunological Therapy [Member] CureVac AG (CureVac) CureVac AG [Member] CureVac AG [Member] AstraZeneca AstraZeneca [Member] AstraZeneca [Member] Innovent Biologics, Inc. (Innovent) Innovent Biologics, Inc. [Member] Innovent Biologics, Inc. [Member] Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Hanmi) Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. [Member] Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. [Member] BioNTech AG (BioNTech) BioNTech AG [Member] BioNTech AG [Member] Locemia Solutions Locemia Solutions [Member] Locemia Solutions [Member] Undisclosed Other Product Acquisition Counterparty [Member] Other Product Acquisition Counterparty [Member] Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (Halozyme) Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc [Member] Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Purchased in-process research and development Purchased in-process research and development The amount of CASH paid for research and development assets that are acquired in a business combination (pre-141R) and/or licensing arrangement that have no alternative future use and are therefore, written off in the period of acquisition (CASH FLOWS). Consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Intangibles acquired, weighted average useful life (in years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Revenue Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Proceeds from divestiture of businesses Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Goodwill recognized Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Accrued liabilities acquired Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Liabilities Assumed Discount rate for benefit obligation (in percentage) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Discount rate for net benefit costs (in percentage) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Rate of compensation increase for benefit obligation (in percentage) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Rate of compensation increase for net benefit costs (in percentage) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Expected return on plan assets for net benefit costs (in percentage) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Human pharmaceutical products Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Animal health products Animal Health Products [Member] Animal Health Products [Member] Total goodwill Goodwill Useful life (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Weighted-average useful life (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions based on tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Additions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Lapses of statutes of limitation Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Changes related to the impact of foreign currency translation, increase Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Changes related to the impact of foreign currency translation, decrease Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Unrecognized Tax Benefits New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Table] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items] Retained earnings New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle Not Yet Adopted, Estimated Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity Upon Adoption New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle Not Yet Adopted, Estimated Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity Upon Adoption Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Deferred tax assets New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle Not Yet Adopted, Estimated Effect of Change on Deferred Tax Assets New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle Not Yet Adopted, Estimated Effect of Change on Deferred Tax Assets Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), attributed to parent Other comprehensive income (loss), non-controlling interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Schedule of Additional Segment Information Disclosures Schedule of Additional Segment Information Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Additional Segment Information Disclosures [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated 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 Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Years 2010-2012 Tax Years 2010-2012 [Member] Tax Years 2010-2012 [Member] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Carryforward Carryforward [Member] Tax Carryforward [Member] Expiration in 10 Years Expiration in 10 Years [Member] Expiration in 10 Years [Member] Designated Unusable Designated Unusable [Member] Those operating loss/tax credit carryforwards/carrybacks included that have been designated to be unusable and therefore, is fully reserved. Expiration within 5 years Expiration within 5 years [Member] Expiration within 5 years [Member] Expiration 5 to 20 Years Expiration 5 to 20 Years [Member] Expiration 5 to 20 Years [Member] No Expiration No Expiration [Member] Those operating loss/tax credit carryforwards/carrybacks included that have no expiration. Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Foreign Tax Authority Foreign Tax Authority [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Provisional amount of income tax Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax credit carryforward Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Deferred tax assets related to state net operating losses Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Other state carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Other Domestic and Puerto Rican companies contribution Domestic and Puerto Rican Contribution to Income before Income Taxes Percent contribution of most significant (domestic, including Puerto Rico) areas that contributed to the consolidated income (loss) before income taxes. Cash payments of income taxes Income Taxes Paid Income tax at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Add (deduct): Add (Deduct) [Abstract] Add (Deduct) [Abstract] International operations, including Puerto Rico Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Foreign, Amount General business credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Amount Non-deductible acquired IPR&D - CoLucid (Note 3) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Research and Development, Amount Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Income taxes Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Year under examination Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination Settlements Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Income tax (benefit) expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Accruals for the payment of interest and penalties Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax For Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax For Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax For Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense Debt Disclosure Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Proceeds from sales Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Realized gross gains on sales Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Realized gross losses on sales Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Total accumulated benefit obligation for our defined benefit pension plans Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Expense under the plans Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Percentage of global investments in plan assets (in percentage) 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 Plan assets, target allocation (in percentage) Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Expected contribution Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year, Minimum Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year, Minimum Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents (Note 7) Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Short-term investments (Note 7) Short-term Investments Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $38.7 (2017) and $40.3 (2016) Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Other receivables Other Receivables Inventories (Note 6) Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Other Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Investments (Note 7) Long-term Investments Goodwill (Note 8) Other intangibles, net (Note 8) Sundry Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Assets, Noncurrent Property and equipment, net (Note 9) 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 (Note 10) Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Employee compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Sales rebates and discounts Sales rebates and discounts Sales rebates and discounts Dividends payable Dividends Payable, Current Income taxes payable (Note 13) Taxes Payable, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt (Note 10) Accrued retirement benefits (Note 14) Long-term income taxes payable (Note 13) Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total other liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Eli Lilly and Company Shareholders' Equity (Notes 11 and 12) Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common stock—no par value Authorized shares: 3,200,000 Issued shares: 1,100,672 (2017) and 1,101,586 (2016) Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Employee benefit trust Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 16) Cost of common stock in treasury Treasury Stock, Value Total Eli Lilly and Company shareholders' equity Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity 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 Depreciation expense Depreciation Rental expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense 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] Building Building [Member] Equipment Equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years After 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Rolling after Year Five Finished products Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Gross Raw materials and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross Total (approximates replacement cost) Inventory, Gross Increase to LIFO cost Inventory, LIFO Reserve Inventories LIFO Inventory Amount LIFO Inventory Amount Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Venezuela charge Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized Other income Other–net, (income) expense Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Collaborations Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Commercial Paper Commercial Paper [Member] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Short-term commercial paper borrowings Long-term debt, including current portion Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Change in deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Other non-cash operating activities, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Other changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Receivables—(increase) decrease Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables Inventories—(increase) decrease Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other assets—(increase) decrease Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Income taxes payable—increase (decrease) Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Accounts payable and other liabilities—increase (decrease) Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment Disposals of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Other Property, Plant, and Equipment Cash released for pending acquisition (Note 3) Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments Proceeds from Sale of Short-term Investments Purchases of short-term investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments Proceeds from sales of noncurrent investments Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Other Investments Purchases of noncurrent investments Payments to Acquire Other Investments Proceeds from sale of product rights Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Purchases of in-process research and development Payments to Acquire in Process Research and Development Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 3) Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Other investing activities, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Net change in short-term borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Repayments of long-term debt Purchases of common stock Other financing activities, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year Current: Current Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) 2017 Tax Act - provisional Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current tax expense Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred: Deferred Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 2017 Tax Act - provisional Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred tax (benefit) expense Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Schedule of Additional Borrowings Disclosures Schedule of Additional Borrowings Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Additional Borrowings Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Member] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Axis] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Axis] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Domain] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Domain] Adjustment to Return Reserve Adjustment to Return Reserve [Member] Adjustment to Return Reserve [Member] Endocrinology Endocrinology [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Endocrinology Humalog Humalog [Member] Humalog [Member] Trulicity Trulicity [Member] [Member] Trulicity [Member] [Member] Forteo Forteo [Member] Forteo [Member] Humulin Humulin [Member] Humulin [Member] Trajenta Trajenta (BI) [Member] Trajenta (BI) [Member] Jardiance Jardiance [Member] Jardiance [Member] Basaglar Basaglar [Member] Basaglar [Member] Other Endocrinology Other Endocrinology [Member] Other Endocrinology [Member] Oncology: Oncology [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Oncology Alimta Alimta [Member] Alimta [Member] Cyramza® Cyramza [Member] [Domain] Cyramza [Member] [Domain] Other Oncology Other Oncology [Member] Other Oncology [Member] Cardiovascular: Cardiovascular [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Cardiovascular Cialis Cialis [Member] Cialis [Member] Other Cardiovascular Other Cardiovascular [Member] Other Cardiovascular [Member] Neuroscience: Neuroscience [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Neuroscience Cymbalta Cymbalta [Member] Cymbalta [Member] Strattera Strattera [Member] Strattera [Member] Zyprexa Zyprexa [Member] Zyprexa [Member] Other Neuroscience Other Neuroscience [Member] Other Neuroscience [Member] Immunology: Immunology [Member] Immunology [Member] Taltz Taltz [Member] Taltz [Member] Other Immunology Other Immunology [Member] Other Immunology [Member] Other human pharmaceutical products Other Pharmaceuticals [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Other pharmaceuticals Animal health products Europe Europe [Member] JAPAN JAPAN Other foreign countries 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 Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Concentration Risk, Percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Other Revenue, Net Other Revenue, Net Segment profits: Amortization of intangible assets (Note 8) Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges Venezuela charge (Note 17) Acquired in-process research and development Consolidated income before taxes Debt extinguishment loss Total depreciation expense and software amortization included in segment profits Other Depreciation and Amortization Long-lived assets Long-Lived Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract] 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five 2023-2027 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets Components of net periodic (benefit) cost: Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] Service cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service (benefit) cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Recognized actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Curtailment Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment Special termination benefit Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Special Termination Benefits Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Special Termination Benefits Net periodic (benefit) cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Reclassification Adjustment and Tax [Abstract] Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Reclassification Adjustment and Tax [Abstract] Actuarial gain (loss) arising during period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Plan amendments during period Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Curtailment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Settlement and Curtailment Gain (Loss), before Tax Amortization of prior service (benefit) cost included in net income Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss) during period Inventories Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Acquired in-process research and development Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Marketed products Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Assets held for sale (primarily the U.S. Sentinel rights) Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Held for Sale Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Held for Sale Accrued retirement benefits Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other Deferred income taxes Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Other assets and liabilities - net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets and Liabilities, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets and Liabilities, Net Total identifiable net assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Goodwill Total consideration transferred - net of cash acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Schedule of Additional Stock-Based Compensation Disclosures Schedule of Additional Stock-Based Compensation Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Additional Stock-Based Compensation Disclosures [Table Text Block] Share-based Compensation Awards, Fair Value Assumptions Used Share-based Compensation Awards, Fair Value Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Share-based Compensation Awards, Fair Value Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Compensation and benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Purchases of intangible assets Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Tax credit carryforwards and carrybacks Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Tax loss carryforwards and carrybacks Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Contingent consideration Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Contingencies Product return reserves Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Reserves Other comprehensive loss on hedging transactions Deferred Tax Assets, Other Comprehensive Loss Debt Deferred Tax Asset, Fair Value Adjustments Deferred tax asset resulting from fair value adjustments, including on hedged borrowings Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Total gross deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowances Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract] Inventories Deferred Tax Liabilities, Inventory Unremitted earnings Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Intangibles Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Property and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Financial instruments Deferred Tax Liabilities, Derivatives Prepaid employee benefits Deferred Tax Liabilities, Prepaid Expenses Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Assets, Net Deferred Tax Assets, Net Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Table] Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Table] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items] Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items] Severance: Total pension and post-retirement medical charges associated with U.S. early retirement program Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment and Special Termination Benefits Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment and Special Termination Benefits Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Canada CANADA Ontario ONTARIO Quebec QUEBEC Alberta ALBERTA California CALIFORNIA Brazil BRAZIL Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Product Liability Litigation Product Liability Litigation [Member] Matters related to product liability litigation Compensatory Damages Compensatory Damages [Member] Compensatory Damages [Member] Actos Actos [Member] Actos [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case Type [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Employee Litigation Employee Litigation [Member] Employee Litigation [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Number of cases Loss Contingency, Number of Cases The number of cases pursuant to a particular litigation or loss contingency. Litigation settlement, amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Number of lawsuits Loss Contingency, Number of Lawsuits Number of lawsuits in a particular litigation or loss contingency. Number of plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Damages awarded, value Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value 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 Impairment of finite-lived intangible Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Impairment of indefinite-lived intangibles Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment of intangibles Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill, Impairment Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Effective Portion of Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Defined Benefit Pension and Retiree Health Benefit Plans Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassifications of stranded tax effects - provisional (Note 2) Ending balance Accumulated other comprehensive loss Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Milestone Payments, Sales-based Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized, Cumulative Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized, Cumulative [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized, Cumulative [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized [Member] Profit And Development And Marketing Share Profit And Development And Marketing Share [Member] Share of profits, research and development expenses, and marketing expenses pursuant to the terms of a collaborative arrangement. Sales Reported Acquisition Terms - Contingent Consideration [Member] Acquisition Terms - Contingent Consideration [Member] Research And Development Exp Research And Development Exp [Member] Share of Research and Development expenses incurred pursuant to a collaborative arrangement. Can be expenses or reimbursement of expenses. Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Expensed Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Expensed [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Expensed [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized (Deferred) Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized (Deferred) [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, First Indication Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, First Indication [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, First Indication [Member] Royalty Payments Received Royalty Agreement Terms [Member] Erbitux API Erbitux API [Member] Erbitux API [Member] Olumiant Olumiant [Member] Olumiant [Member] Jardiance (BI) Jardiance (BI) [Member] Jardiance (BI) [Member] Lanabecestat Lanabecestat [Member] Lanabecestat [Member] Collaboration and other revenue Collaborative arrangement, rights and obligations, terms Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Terms Terms or rights and obligations under collaborative arrangements. Net product revenue Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Collaborative arrangement, rights and obligations percent (in 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. Marketed products Deferred tax asset Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets Noncurrent Deferred tax liability Other assets and liabilities - net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Total consideration - contingent consideration liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Pro forma revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue