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Financial Instruments (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Financial Instruments (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2011
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Description of Derivative Risk Management Policy	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to credit risk consist principally of trade receivables and interest-bearing investments. Wholesale distributors of life-sciences products account for a substantial portion of trade receivables; collateral is generally not required. The risk associated with this concentration is mitigated by our ongoing credit-review procedures and insurance. Major financial institutions represent the largest component of our investments in corporate debt securities. In accordance with documented corporate policies, we limit the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution or corporate issuer. We are exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to risk-management instruments but do not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations given their high credit ratings.

Description of the entity's objectives and strategies pertaining to the use of derivative instruments and nonderivative hedging instruments in the context of the entity's overall risk management profile, and the risks associated with the use of derivatives. Indicates the purpose of derivative instruments not used for hedging purposes. Qualitative disclosures that describe the entity's objectives and strategies for holding derivatives in the context of an entity's overall risk management profile.

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