Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales to External Customers	$ 9,964	$ 9,747
Operating Earnings	1,386	1,509
Amortization of intangible assets	(472)	(491)
Earnings before taxes	$ 1,436	$ 1,562
Annual share-based awards recognized in first quarter (as a percent)	45.00%	45.00%
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales to External Customers	$ 9,961	$ 9,744
Operating Earnings	2,478	2,409
Operating Segments | Established Pharmaceutical Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales to External Customers	1,226	1,189
Operating Earnings	267	300
Operating Segments | Nutritional Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales to External Customers	2,068	1,967
Operating Earnings	377	380
Operating Segments | Diagnostic Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales to External Customers	2,214	2,688
Operating Earnings	474	651
Operating Segments | Medical Devices
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales to External Customers	4,453	3,900
Operating Earnings	1,360	1,078
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales to External Customers	3	3
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate functions and benefit plan costs	(66)	(77)
Net interest expense	(61)	(52)
Share-based compensation	(304)	(281)
Amortization of intangible assets	(472)	(491)
Other, net	(139)	$ 54
Various investment impairments	$ 38