Goodwill and other intangible assets (Identifiable Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2022
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amounts	$ 35,615		$ 35,596
Accumulated amortization	(21,231)		(20,525)
Other intangible assets, net	14,384		15,071
Gross carrying amount	36,624		36,605
Accumulated amortization	(21,231)		(20,525)
Intangible assets, net	15,393		16,080
Amortization charges associated with finite-lived intangible assets	693	$ 637
In-process research and development
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:	1,009		1,009
Developed-product-technology rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amounts	29,038		29,028
Accumulated amortization	(15,679)		(15,045)
Other intangible assets, net	13,359		13,983
Licensing rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amounts	3,864		3,864
Accumulated amortization	(3,160)		(3,123)
Other intangible assets, net	704		741
Marketing-related rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amounts	1,326		1,326
Accumulated amortization	(1,188)		(1,167)
Other intangible assets, net	138		159
Research and development technology rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amounts	1,387		1,378
Accumulated amortization	(1,204)		(1,190)
Other intangible assets, net	$ 183		$ 188