ALLIANCES AND COLLABORATIONS (Sanofi) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended					3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2013 Avapro Avalide [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Avapro Avalide [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Sanofi [Member] Avapro Avalide [Member] Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Supply Arrangements [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Sanofi [Member] Avapro Avalide [Member] Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Supply Arrangements [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Sanofi [Member] Avapro, Avalide, and Plavix [Member]	Dec. 31, 2018 Sanofi [Member] Avapro, Avalide, and Plavix [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Sanofi [Member] Avapro, Avalide, and Plavix [Member] Supply Activities And Development And Opt Out Royalties [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Sanofi [Member] Avapro, Avalide, and Plavix [Member] Supply Activities And Development And Opt Out Royalties [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Sanofi [Member] Territory Covering Americas and Australia [Member] Avapro, Avalide, and Plavix [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Sanofi [Member] Territory Covering Americas and Australia [Member] Avapro, Avalide, and Plavix [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Sanofi [Member] Territory Covering Americas and Australia [Member] Avapro, Avalide, and Plavix [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Sanofi [Member] Territory Covering Europe and Asia [Member] Avapro, Avalide, and Plavix [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Sanofi [Member] Territory Covering Europe and Asia [Member] Avapro, Avalide, and Plavix [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Sanofi [Member] Territory Covering Europe and Asia [Member] Avapro, Avalide, and Plavix [Member]
Alliances and Collaborations Statement [Line Items]
Payment from Sanofi related to restructuring of the alliance agreement										$ 200
Previously deferred profit recognized upon restructuring of an alliance agreement																22
Royalty income									51
Controlling interest ownership percentage													50.10%			50.10%
Equity method investment ownership percentage																49.90%
Noncontrolling interest ownership percentage													49.90%
Net sales	3,831	5,251			46	207	18	38					137	1,900
Royalty expense													2	367
Equity in net income of affiliates	(36)	(57)														(40)	(60)
Other (income)/expense	(19)	(184)									(10)	(14)
Noncontrolling interest - pre-tax													24	605
Distributions to Sanofi	(1)	(609)												609
Distributions to BMS																31	67
Investment in affiliates																18		9
Noncontrolling interest	40	(91)	15	(89)									(6)		(30)
Net sales																49	319
Gross profit																37	138
Net income																$ 36	$ 122