Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (596)	$ 6,623	$ 5,319
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net unrealized investment gains	97	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(29)	(2)	38
Net cash flow hedges	330	(10)	2
Pension and other postretirement benefits	(124)	152	13
Other comprehensive income	274	140	53
Comprehensive income (loss)	(322)	6,763	5,372
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	2	(1)	(2)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CVS Health	$ (320)	$ 6,762	$ 5,370

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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