Goodwill and other intangible assets (Identifiable Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amounts	$ 32,028		$ 32,028		$ 32,099
Accumulated amortization	(19,771)		(19,771)		(17,987)
Other intangible assets, net	12,257		12,257		14,112
Gross carrying amount	33,037		33,037		33,169
Accumulated amortization	(19,771)		(19,771)		(17,987)
Intangible assets, net	13,266		13,266		15,182
Amortization charges associated with finite-lived intangible assets	628	$ 642	1,900	$ 1,900
In-process research and development
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:	1,009		1,009		1,070
Developed-product-technology rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amounts	25,504		25,504		25,561
Accumulated amortization	(14,396)		(14,396)		(12,769)
Other intangible assets, net	11,108		11,108		12,792
Licensing rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amounts	3,864		3,864		3,807
Accumulated amortization	(3,087)		(3,087)		(2,973)
Other intangible assets, net	777		777		834
Marketing-related rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amounts	1,326		1,326		1,354
Accumulated amortization	(1,146)		(1,146)		(1,112)
Other intangible assets, net	180		180		242
Research and development technology rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amounts	1,334		1,334		1,377
Accumulated amortization	(1,142)		(1,142)		(1,133)
Other intangible assets, net	$ 192		$ 192		$ 244