ALLIANCES AND COLLABORATIONS (Sanofi) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2001
Net sales	$ 5,434	$ 4,768	$ 10,445	$ 9,575
Distributions	(720)	(583)	(1,319)	(1,069)
Equity in net income of affiliates	(62)	(85)	(144)	(182)
Other (income)/expense	(31)	(19)	(169)	94
Sanofi [Member] | Territory Covering Americas and Australia [Member] | AVAPRO, AVALIDE, and PLAVIX [Member]
Controlling interest ownership percentage	50.10%		50.10%
Noncontrolling interest ownership percentage	49.90%		49.90%
Net sales	2,045	1,828	4,023	3,706
Noncontrolling interest - pre-tax	601	500	1,174	1,020
Distributions	(702)	(567)	(1,301)	(1,053)
Sanofi [Member] | Territory Covering Americas and Australia [Member] | AVAPRO, AVALIDE, and PLAVIX [Member] | Discovery Royalties [Member]
Discovery royalty expense	397	327	755	661
Sanofi [Member] | Europe Comarketing Countries and Other [Member] | AVAPRO, AVALIDE, and PLAVIX [Member]
Net sales	71	106	145	208
Sanofi [Member] | Territory Covering Europe and Asia [Member] | AVAPRO, AVALIDE, and PLAVIX [Member]
Controlling interest ownership percentage	50.10%		50.10%
Equity method investment ownership percentage	49.90%		49.90%
Equity in net income of affiliates	(65)	(88)	(151)	(188)
Profit distributions to the Company	67	85	127	154
Investment in affiliates	46		46		22
Net sales	382	500	761	1,048
Gross profit	172	244	340	488
Net income	142	193	282	387
Sanofi [Member] | United States [Member] | AVAPRO AVALIDE [Member] | License Fee [Member]
Payment to the Company for an interest in a license						350
Amortization income - upfront, milestone and other licensing payments	(8)	(8)	(16)	(16)
Deferred income	44		44		60
Sanofi [Member] | AVAPRO, AVALIDE, and PLAVIX [Member] | Supply Activities And Development And Opt Out Royalties [Member]
Other (income)/expense	1	(9)	15	(31)
AVAPRO AVALIDE [Member]
Net sales	$ 251	$ 307	$ 541	$ 621