XML 13 R39.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Restructuring Plans (Details 2) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring Plan 2014  
Restructuring reserve activity  
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance of the period $ 118us-gaap_RestructuringReserve
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= abt_RestructuringPlan2014Member
Restructuring charges 13us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= abt_RestructuringPlan2014Member
Payments and other adjustments (15)abt_RestructuringReservePeriodCashSettledAndOtherAdjustments
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= abt_RestructuringPlan2014Member
Restructuring reserve, ending balance of the period 103us-gaap_RestructuringReserve
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= abt_RestructuringPlan2014Member
Restructuring Plan 2015  
Restructuring reserve activity  
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance of the period 135us-gaap_RestructuringReserve
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= abt_RestructuringPlan2015Member
Restructuring charges 8us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= abt_RestructuringPlan2015Member
Payments and other adjustments (34)abt_RestructuringReservePeriodCashSettledAndOtherAdjustments
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= abt_RestructuringPlan2015Member
Restructuring reserve, ending balance of the period 109us-gaap_RestructuringReserve
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= abt_RestructuringPlan2015Member
Restructuring Plan 2013 and Prior Years  
Restructuring reserve activity  
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance of the period 39us-gaap_RestructuringReserve
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= abt_RestructuringPlan2013AndPriorYearsMember
Payments and other adjustments (6)abt_RestructuringReservePeriodCashSettledAndOtherAdjustments
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= abt_RestructuringPlan2013AndPriorYearsMember
Restructuring reserve, ending balance of the period $ 33us-gaap_RestructuringReserve
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= abt_RestructuringPlan2013AndPriorYearsMember