EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Earnings Attributable to BMS	$ 645	$ 902	$ 1,746	$ 1,888
Earnings attributable to unvested restricted shares		(2)	(2)	(4)
Net Earnings Attributable to BMS common shareholders	$ 645	$ 900	$ 1,744	$ 1,884
Earnings per share - basic	$ 0.38	$ 0.53	$ 1.04	$ 1.11
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	1,683	1,707	1,685	1,705
Contingently convertible debt common stock equivalents	1	1	1	1
Incremental shares attributable to share-based compensation plans	17	14	18	12
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted	1,701	1,722	1,704	1,718
Earnings per share - diluted	$ 0.38	$ 0.52	$ 1.02	$ 1.10
Anti-dilutive weighted-average equivalent shares - stock incentive plans		27	3	39