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Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill	$ 9,855us-gaap_Goodwill	$ 10,067us-gaap_Goodwill
Foreign currency translation adjustments decreased goodwill	267us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAdjustments
Purchase price allocation adjustments associated with increased (decreased) goodwill	55
Amount of reduction of goodwill relating to impairments	0us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
Developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill	894
Increased intangible assets	738
Established Pharmaceutical Products
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill	3,300
Nutritional Products
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill	286
Diagnostic Products
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill	444
Vascular Products
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill	2,900
CFR Pharmaceuticals SA
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Increased intangible assets			$ 1,800