EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Earnings Attributable to BMS	$ (2,328)	$ 845	$ 916	$ 1,574	$ 894	$ 1,202	$ 1,166	$ 1,195	$ 1,007	$ 4,457	$ 1,565
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic									1,645	1,671	1,667
Incremental shares attributable to share-based compensation plans									7	9	12
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted									1,652	1,680	1,679
Earnings per Share - Basic	$ (1.42)	$ 0.52	$ 0.56	$ 0.95	$ 0.53	$ 0.72	$ 0.70	$ 0.72	$ 0.61	$ 2.67	$ 0.94
Earnings per Share - Diluted	$ (1.42)	$ 0.51	$ 0.56	$ 0.94	$ 0.53	$ 0.72	$ 0.69	$ 0.71	$ 0.61	$ 2.65	$ 0.93