GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Expected amortization expense - 2012	$ 650
Expected future amortization expense - 2013	900
Expected future amortization expense - 2014	900
Expected future amortization expense - 2015	800
Expected future amortization expense - 2016	800
Expected future amortization expense - after year five	4,600
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Balance at January 1, 2012	5,586
Goodwill, Balance at September 30, 2012	7,498
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	11,144		4,973
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	2,884		2,494
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Carrying Amount	8,260		2,479
In-Process Research and Development, Gross and Net Carrying Amount	957		645
Total other intangible assets	9,217		3,124
Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	12,101		5,618
Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	2,884		2,494
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Other intangible assets carrying amount at January 1	3,124	3,370
Capitalized software and other additions	44	54
Acquisitions	8,535	160
Amortization expense	(394)	(261)
Impairment charges	(2,092)	(30)
Other		(97)
Other intangible assets carrying amount at September 30	9,217	3,196
Licensing Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	1,178		1,218
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	526		443
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Carrying Amount	652		775
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	8,777		2,608
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	1,439		1,194
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Carrying Amount	7,338		1,414
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	1,189		1,147
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	919		857
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Carrying Amount	270		290
Minimum [Member] | Licensing Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	7 years
Minimum [Member] | Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Licensing Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	15 years
Maximum [Member] | Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	15 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	10 years
Inhibitex, Inc. [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Acquisitions (Note 4)	1,213
Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Acquisitions (Note 4)	$ 699