Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
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	1,650,688,859
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Amendment Flag	false