Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000014272
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	1,705,666,684
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Amendment Flag	false