CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net Earnings	$ 1,577	$ 4,029
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	(542)	(1,172)
Depreciation and amortization	482	482
Impairment charges	2,118	28
Deferred income taxes	(737)	273
Stock-based compensation	108	120
Other adjustments	21	(138)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	643	(152)
Inventories	(135)	(150)
Accounts payable	(321)	309
Deferred income from diabetes collaboration	3,570
Other deferred income	100	(7)
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	82	(20)
Other	(861)	(330)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	6,105	3,272
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Sale and maturities of marketable securities	4,384	3,808
Purchases of marketable securities	(3,501)	(5,344)
Additions to property, plant and equipment and capitalized software	(373)	(233)
Sale of businesses and other investing activities	16	147
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	(7,530)	(310)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(7,004)	(1,932)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Short-term borrowings/(repayments)	20	67
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	1,950
Long-term debt repayments	(2,108)	(78)
Interest rate swap terminations	2	296
Stock option exercises	397	365
Common stock repurchases	(1,911)	(859)
Dividends paid	(1,725)	(1,694)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities	(3,375)	(1,903)
Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	1	1
Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(4,273)	(562)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	5,776	5,033
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$ 1,503	$ 4,471