Goodwill and other intangible assets (Idenfitiable Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Gross carrying amount	$ 18,566	$ 18,625
Accumulated amortization	(6,953)	(5,932)
Intangible assets, net	11,613	12,693
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	16,425	16,470
Accumulated amortization	(6,953)	(5,932)
Intangible assets, net	9,472	10,538
In-process Research and Development (IPR&D) [Member]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	2,141	2,155
Developed Product Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	10,808	10,826
Accumulated amortization	(4,779)	(4,155)
Intangible assets, net	6,029	6,671
Licensing Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	3,261	3,236
Accumulated amortization	(923)	(696)
Intangible assets, net	2,338	2,540
R&D Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	1,153	1,167
Accumulated amortization	(640)	(569)
Intangible assets, net	513	598
Marketing-related Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	1,203	1,241
Accumulated amortization	(611)	(512)
Intangible assets, net	$ 592	$ 729