BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Net Sales of Key Products) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 5,454	$ 5,345	$ 5,434	$ 5,011	$ 5,111	$ 4,798	$ 4,768	$ 4,807	$ 21,244	$ 19,484	$ 18,808
PLAVIX [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									7,087	6,666	6,146
AVAPRO AVALIDE [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									952	1,176	1,283
ABILIFY [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									2,758	2,565	2,592
REYATAZ [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,569	1,479	1,401
SUSTIVA Franchise [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,485	1,368	1,277
BARACLUDE [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,196	931	734
ERBITUX [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									691	662	683
SPRYCEL [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									803	576	421
YERVOY [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									360
ORENCIA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									917	733	602
NULOJIX [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									3
ONGLYZA KOMBIGLYZE [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									473	158	24
Mature Products And All Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 2,950	$ 3,170	$ 3,645