Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Intangible assets
Finite-lived intangible asset, gross carrying amount	$ 26,500,000,000		$ 26,500,000,000		$ 25,700,000,000
Increase in goodwill			800,000,000
Goodwill related to the acquisition of UAM Medicare Part D Business			1,000,000,000
Goodwill associated with TheraCom business held for sale	200,000,000		200,000,000
Intangible assets, gross carrying amount	12,559,000,000		12,559,000,000		12,063,000,000
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization	(2,612,000,000)		(2,612,000,000)		(2,279,000,000)
Finite-lived intangible asset, net carrying amount	9,947,000,000		9,947,000,000		9,784,000,000
Amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets	118,000,000	108,000,000	338,000,000	319,000,000
Trademarks (indefinitely-lived)
Intangible assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	6,400,000,000		6,400,000,000		6,400,000,000
Intangible assets, gross carrying amount	6,398,000,000		6,398,000,000		6,398,000,000
Finite-lived intangible asset, net carrying amount	6,398,000,000		6,398,000,000		6,398,000,000
Customer contracts and relationships and covenants not to compete
Intangible assets
Intangible assets, gross carrying amount	5,376,000,000		5,376,000,000		4,903,000,000
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization	(2,284,000,000)		(2,284,000,000)		(1,982,000,000)
Finite-lived intangible asset, net carrying amount	3,092,000,000		3,092,000,000		2,921,000,000
Favorable leases and other
Intangible assets
Intangible assets, gross carrying amount	785,000,000		785,000,000		762,000,000
Finite-lived intangible asset, accumulated amortization	(328,000,000)		(328,000,000)		(297,000,000)
Finite-lived intangible asset, net carrying amount	$ 457,000,000		$ 457,000,000		$ 465,000,000

Represents the expected elimination of goodwill in relation to disposal of TheraCom L.L.C., a subsidiary of the entity.

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- Definition

Sum of the carrying amounts of all intangible assets, excluding goodwill, as of the balance sheet date, before accumulated amortization and impairment charges.

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- Definition

The accumulated amount of amortization of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

+ References

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Aggregate amount of intangible asset amortization recognized as expense during the period.

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Sum of the gross carrying amounts before accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date of all intangible assets having statutory or estimated useful lives. The aggregate gross carrying amount (including any previously recognized impairment charges) of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

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The aggregate sum of gross carrying value of a major finite-lived intangible asset class, less accumulated amortization and any impairment charges. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

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- Definition

The aggregate amount of goodwill acquired in the period and allocated to the reportable segment. The value is stated at fair value based on the purchase price allocation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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The change during the reporting period in the carrying value of goodwill. The change could be the result of new goodwill acquired, goodwill impairment during the period, goodwill written off related to the sale of a business or other adjustments to goodwill.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph e

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Section 50

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-Publisher FASB

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Carrying amount of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, which have a projected indefinite period of benefit (hence are not amortized), allocated to the reportable segment. These assets, acquired either individually or as part of a group of assets, in either an asset acquisition or business combination, are assessed at least annually for impairment. Examples may include trade secrets, contractual rights, trade names, and licensing agreements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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