EMPLOYEE STOCK BENEFIT PLANS (Stock Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available to be granted for active plans	116
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 248	$ 161	$ 193
Deferred tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense	82	56	63
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to stock plans, options, and conversions of preferred stock	283
Vesting period of stock-based compensation award, in years	4
Maximum contractual term of options	10
Total stock-based compensation expense	7	27	50
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of stock-based compensation award, in years	4
Total stock-based compensation expense	64	79	83
Market share units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of stock-based compensation award, in years	4
Minimum payout factor percentage	60.00%
Maximum payout factor percentage	200.00%
Total stock-based compensation expense	23	23	13
Long term performance awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of stock-based compensation award, in years	3
Maximum payout factor percentage	167.50%
Total stock-based compensation expense	60	32	47
Amylin Stock Options And Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 94

The maximum percentage payout factor of a share based compensation equity award.

No definition available.

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- Definition

The minimum percentage payout factor of a share based compensation equity award. The payout factor is the share price on vesting date divided by share price on award date. The share price used in the payout factor is calculated using an average of the closing prices on the grant or vest date, and the nine trading days immediately preceding the grant or vest date.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

The maximum contractual term of stock options, in years.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

The period, in years, over which shared based compensation equity awards, other than options, vest.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph g(1)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 14

-Section F

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph 64

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

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-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 14.F)

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- Definition

The total recognized tax benefit related to compensation cost for equity-based payment arrangements recognized in income during the period.

+ References

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- Definition

The maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) originally approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors), net of any subsequent amendments and adjustments, for awards under the equity-based compensation plan. As stock or unit options and equity instruments other than options are awarded to participants, the shares or units remain authorized and become reserved for issuance under outstanding awards (not necessarily vested).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

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- Definition

The difference between the maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) authorized for issuance under the plan (including the effects of amendments and adjustments), and the sum of: 1) the number of shares (or other type of equity) already issued upon exercise of options or other equity-based awards under the plan; and 2) shares (or other type of equity) reserved for issuance on granting of outstanding awards, net of cancellations and forfeitures, if applicable.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

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-Paragraph 2

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