Other investments (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Insurance and Other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 23,732	$ 16,057
Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Carrying Value	5,275	4,952
Other Investments [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	23,143	16,257
Unrealized Gains	6,085	5,627
Fair Value	29,228	21,884
Carrying Value	29,007	21,009
Other Investments [Member] | Heinz Holding [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	12,250
Fair Value	12,250
Carrying Value	12,051
Other Investments [Member] | Insurance and Other [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	7,841	13,109
Unrealized Gains	3,862	3,823
Fair Value	11,703	16,932
Carrying Value	11,681	16,057
Other Investments [Member] | Finance and Financial Products [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost Basis	3,052	3,148
Unrealized Gains	2,223	1,804
Fair Value	5,275	4,952
Carrying Value	$ 5,275	$ 4,952