Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers	$ 4,897	$ 4,755
Operating Earnings	653	341
Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers	540	588
Total Reportable Segments
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers	4,357	4,167
Operating Earnings	1,077	847
Total Reportable Segments | Established Pharmaceutical Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers	897	681
Operating Earnings	167	121
Total Reportable Segments | Nutritional Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers	1,669	1,631
Operating Earnings	350	283
Total Reportable Segments | Diagnostic Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers	1,093	1,117
Operating Earnings	276	222
Total Reportable Segments | Vascular Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers	698	738
Operating Earnings	$ 284	$ 221