BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Net Sales of Key Products) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 4,191	$ 3,736	$ 4,443	$ 5,251	$ 5,454	$ 5,345	$ 5,434	$ 5,011	$ 17,621	$ 21,244	$ 19,484
Plavix [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									2,547	7,087	6,666
Avapro Avalide [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									503	952	1,176
Eliquis [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									2
Abilify [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									2,827	2,758	2,565
Reyataz [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,521	1,569	1,479
Sustiva Franchise [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,527	1,485	1,368
Baraclude [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,388	1,196	931
Erbitux [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									702	691	662
Sprycel [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,019	803	576
Yervoy [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									706	360
Orencia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,176	917	733
Nulojix [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									11	3
Onglyza Kombiglyze [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									709	473	158
Byetta [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									149
Bydureon [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									78
Mature Products And All Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 2,756	$ 2,950	$ 3,170