CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Sales	$ 3,831	$ 5,251
Cost of products sold	1,063	1,303
Marketing, selling and administrative	994	1,002
Advertising and product promotion	189	194
Research and development	930	909
Other (income)/expense	(19)	(184)
Total Expenses	3,157	3,224
Earnings Before Income Taxes	674	2,027
Provision for income taxes	51	545
Net Earnings	623	1,482
Net Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	14	381
Net Earnings Attributable to BMS	$ 609	$ 1,101
Earnings per Common Share
Basic	$ 0.37	$ 0.65
Diluted	$ 0.37	$ 0.64
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.35	$ 0.34