EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Earnings Attributable to BMS	$ 894	$ 1,202	$ 1,166	$ 1,195	$ (197)	$ 706	$ (130)	$ 1,186	$ 4,457	$ 1,565	$ 2,004
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic									1,671	1,667	1,657
Contingently convertible debt common stock equivalents											1
Incremental shares attributable to share-based compensation plans									9	12	12
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted									1,680	1,679	1,670
Earnings per Share - Basic	$ 0.53	$ 0.72	$ 0.70	$ 0.72	$ (0.12)	$ 0.42	$ (0.08)	$ 0.71	$ 2.67	$ 0.94	$ 1.21
Earnings per Share - Diluted	$ 0.53	$ 0.72	$ 0.69	$ 0.71	$ (0.12)	$ 0.42	$ (0.08)	$ 0.71	$ 2.65	$ 0.93	$ 1.20