BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Net sales of key products) (Details) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 5,434	$ 4,768	$ 10,445	$ 9,575
PLAVIX [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,865	1,627	3,627	3,293
AVAPRO AVALIDE [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	251	307	541	621
ABILIFY [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	706	633	1,330	1,250
REYATAZ [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	396	357	762	730
SUSTIVA Franchise [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	371	331	714	666
BARACLUDE [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	292	223	567	439
ERBITUX [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	173	172	338	338
SPRYCEL [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	193	132	365	263
YERVOY [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	95		95
ORENCIA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	228	178	427	347
NULOJIX [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2		2
ONGLYZA KOMBIGLYZE [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	112	28	193	38
Mature Products And All Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 750	$ 780	$ 1,484	$ 1,590