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Restructuring Plans (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring Plan 2014  
Restructuring costs  
Restructuring charges $ 13us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= abt_RestructuringPlan2014Member
Restructuring Plan 2015  
Restructuring costs  
Restructuring charges 8us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= abt_RestructuringPlan2015Member
Restructuring Plan 2015 | Cost of products sold  
Restructuring costs  
Restructuring charges 1us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= abt_RestructuringPlan2015Member
Restructuring Plan 2015 | Selling, general and administrative expense  
Restructuring costs  
Restructuring charges $ 7us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= abt_RestructuringPlan2015Member