Financing arrangements (Other Notes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other notes	$ 100	$ 100
Notes due in 2097 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other notes	$ 100

Carrying value of the current and noncurrent portion of notes payable which were initially due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and which are not otherwise defined in the taxonomy.

No definition available.

Name:	amgn_OtherNotes
Namespace Prefix:	amgn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant