Background and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended				0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013 customer	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013 Reduction due to the subsequent correction of an error	Sep. 30, 2013 Reduction due to the subsequent correction of an error Other assets	Jan. 02, 2013 AbbVie common stock	Sep. 30, 2013 Abbott Transition services agreement	Sep. 30, 2013 Abbott Transition services agreement Maximum	Sep. 30, 2013 Abbott Separation agreement	Sep. 30, 2012 Abbott Separation agreement	Sep. 30, 2013 Abbott Separation agreement	Sep. 30, 2012 Abbott Separation agreement
Background and Basis of Presentation
Number of wholesalers			3
Percentage of outstanding common stock distributed to Abbott Laboratories' shareholders							100.00%
Common stock distribution ratio	1
Separation-related adjustments recorded in stockholders' equity			$ 1,233
Stockholders' equity		(3,577)	(3,577)	350	582
Long-term deferred tax assets						582
Term for which transition services may be provided									24 months
Term by which the agreement can be extended								1 year
Separation-related expenses		51	151
Operations and assets (net of liabilities) on which legal transfer of did not occur with the separation of the entity
Net sales										192		635
Inventories										84		84
Trade accounts receivable										214		214
Other assets										100		100
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities										232		232
Expenses allocated											$ 197		$ 599