Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Property, Plant, and Equipment Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Award Timing Predetermined Award Timing Predetermined [Flag] Neuroscience Neuroscience [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Neuroscience Entity File Number Entity File Number Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Forward-starting interest rate swaps Interest Rate Swap [Member] Earnings (loss) in equity method investments Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other–Net, (Income) Expense Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Tabular List, Table Tabular List [Table Text Block] Benefit (expense) for income taxes allocated to other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax 5.1% Notes Due 2035 5.1% Notes Due 2035 [Member] 5.1% Notes Due 2035 Implementation of New Financial Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue, information used to determine revenue recognized, change in accounting estimate, percent (less than) Revenue, Information Used To Determine Revenue Recognized, Change In Accounting Estimate, Percent Revenue, Information Used To Determine Revenue Recognized, Change In Accounting Estimate, Percent Schedule of Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Unrealized gross losses Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Trading Arrangements, by Individual Trading Arrangements, by Individual [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Adjustment to Compensation: Adjustment to Compensation [Axis] Effective portion of risk-management instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Investment Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Named Executive Officers, Footnote Named Executive Officers, Footnote [Text Block] Commercial Paper Commercial Paper [Member] Total (approximates replacement cost) Inventory, Gross Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Table Text Block] Cash flow hedges: Cash Flow Hedge [Abstract] Cash Flow Hedge [Abstract] Net other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Marketable equity securities Marketable Securities [Member] Marketable Securities [Member] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Issuance of stock under employee stock plans, net (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Adjustment to Compensation, Amount Adjustment to Compensation Amount Defined Benefit Pension Plans Pension Plan [Member] Stock-based compensation expense Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Derivative asset, notional amount Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Employee Stock Option Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Award Timing MNPI Disclosure Award Timing MNPI Disclosure [Text Block] Prepaid taxes Prepaid Taxes Equity method investments Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Cash dividends declared Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Total Eli Lilly and Company shareholders' equity Equity, Attributable to Parent Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Retirement Benefit Plans Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Number of states Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreements, Number Of States Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreements, Number Of States Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 Cash and Cash Equivalents at June 30 Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Including Discontinued Operation Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Cover [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Buy USD Sell Euro Buy USD Sell Euro [Member] Buy USD Sell Euro [Member] Expenditures for long-lived assets Segment, Expenditure, Addition to Long-Lived Assets Fair value of securities in an unrealized loss position Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Loss Position Acquisitions Asset Acquisition [Text Block] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Purchases of noncurrent investments Payments to Acquire Other Investments Retirement benefit plans Net Periodic Defined Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Excluding Service Cost Component Common Stock in Treasury Treasury Stock, Common [Member] Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote [Text Block] Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Line Items] U.S. government and agency securities US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Acquisitions Business Combination [Text Block] Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Income before income taxes Total before tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Other, net of tax Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge And Foreign Currency Adjustment, Attributable To Parent [Member] Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge And Foreign Currency Adjustment, Attributable To Parent Unfunded commitments to invest in venture capital funds, anticipated payment period Fair Value, Investments, Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments, Payment Period Fair Value, Investments, Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments, Payment Period Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Effect from hedged fixed-rate debt Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Company Selected Measure Amount Company Selected Measure Amount Award Timing MNPI Considered Award Timing MNPI Considered [Flag] Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Name Measure Name Less Than 1 Year Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Year One Long-term income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Trulicity Trulicity [Member] Trulicity [Member] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus 4.9% Notes Due 2032 4.9% Notes Due 2032 [Member] 4.9% Notes Due 2032 Award Timing Method Award Timing Method [Text Block] Litigation Case Type [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Schedule of the Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Securities in an Unrealized Gain or Loss Position Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Award Type Award Type [Axis] Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses) Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Long-term debt Long-term debt, including current portion Long-Term Debt Potential achievements Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Rights (Obligations) Terms or rights and obligations under collaborative arrangements. Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Ebglyss Ebglyss [Member] Ebglyss Total assets Total assets Assets Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] Cost Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] Trading Symbol Trading Symbol 5.6% Notes Due 2065 5.6% Notes Due 2065 [Member] 5.6% Notes Due 2065 Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Short-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Chugai Chugai [Member] Chugai Cash Flows from Operating Activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Less: Less Significant Expenses [Abstract] Less Significant Expenses Other segment items Segment Reporting, Other Segment Item, Amount Other assets and liabilities, net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets (Liabilities), Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets (Liabilities), Net Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Continuing Operation Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Net change in short-term borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-Term Debt Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table] Change in Accounting Estimate [Table] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure [Text Block] Damages awarded, value Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Cash paid, net of cash acquired Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Research and development Research and Development Expense (Excluding Acquired in Process Cost) Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Foreign currency-denominated notes, designated as hedge Derivatives used in Net Investment Hedge, Net of Tax Number of patents Loss Contingency, Number Of Patents Loss Contingency, Number Of Patents Equity method investments Equity Method Investments Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted [Text Block] Business Combination [Domain] Business Combination [Domain] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] PEO PEO [Member] Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Schedule of the Contractual Maturities of Our Investments in Debt Securities Measured at Fair Value Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Interest income Interest income Investment Income, Interest U.S. UNITED STATES Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year [Member] Taltz Taltz [Member] Taltz [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Early-stage Early-Stage [Member] Early-Stage Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Restatement Determination Date Restatement Determination Date Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income taxes (Note 8) Tax benefit Income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Short-term income taxes payable Taxes Payable, Current Other noncurrent liabilities Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Verzenio Verzenio [Member] Verzenio [Member] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Other intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Pension Adjustments Service Cost Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Net income (loss) Total reclassifications, net of tax Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Restatement does not require Recovery Restatement Does Not Require Recovery [Text Block] Business Combination [Table] Business Combination [Table] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired and Liability Assumed [Table Text Block] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure [Text Block] City Area Code City Area Code Award Timing, How MNPI Considered Award Timing, How MNPI Considered [Text Block] All Trading Arrangements All Trading Arrangements [Member] Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group [Text Block] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Cash Flows from Investing Activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Pay vs Performance Disclosure Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] Employee Litigation, July 2019 Ruling Employee Litigation, July 2019 Ruling [Member] Employee Litigation, July 2019 Ruling Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Fair Value Hedging Fair Value Hedging [Member] Investments (Note 7) Noncurrent investments Long-Term Investments Retirement of treasury shares Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Recognized actuarial gain (loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Other oncology Other Oncology [Member] Other Oncology [Member] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Goodwill Goodwill Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote [Text Block] Employee Litigation, July 2018 Ruling Employee Litigation, July 2018 Ruling [Member] Employee Litigation, July 2018 Ruling PEO Total Compensation Amount PEO Total Compensation Amount Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Net investment losses Gain (Loss) on Investments Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Hedged Fixed Rate Debt Hedged Fixed Rate Debt [Member] Hedged Fixed-Rate Debt [Member] Outside U.S. Non-US [Member] Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Late-stage Late-Stage [Member] Late-Stage Employee benefit trust Common Stock, Shares Held in Employee Trust Net product revenue Product [Member] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Other Performance Measure, Amount Other Performance Measure, Amount Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt Debt, Current Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Net investment gains (losses) on equity securities Net investment (gains) losses on equity securities (Note 7) Equity Securities, FV-NI, Gain (Loss) Fair value hedges: Fair Value Hedge [Abstract] Fair Value Hedge [Abstract] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Individual: Individual [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] Investments in Equity and Debt Securities Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired Other Payments to Acquire Businesses Other current assets Other Assets, Current Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Effect of Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Axis] Effect of Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Net Cash Used for Investing Activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Other noncurrent assets Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Number of potentially responsible parties Loss Contingency, Number Of Potentially Responsible Parties Loss Contingency, Number Of Potentially Responsible Parties Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability [Text Block] Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-Term Debt Effective income tax rates, percentage Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Schedule of Effective Portion of Risk-Management Instruments that was Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Investment Hedges Schedule of Net Investment Hedges in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Swap Swiss Francs to U.S. Dollars Swap Swiss Francs To U.S. Dollars [Member] Swap Swiss Francs To U.S. Dollars [Member] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Derivatives Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Schedule of Net Pension and Retiree Health (Benefit) Cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] 0.500% Notes due 2033 .500% Notes Due 2033 [Member] .500% Notes Due 2033 [Member] Other securities Other Debt Obligations [Member] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return [Text Block] Other noncurrent liabilities Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Short-term commercial paper borrowings Commercial Paper Marketing, selling, and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Deferred tax assets Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Other noncurrent assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Costs, expenses, and other Cost Of Sales, Operating Expenses, And Other-net Cost Of Sales, Operating Expenses, And Other-net Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Buy US Dollar Sell Chinese Yuan Buy US Dollar Sell Chinese Yuan [Member] Buy US Dollar Sell Chinese Yuan PEO Name PEO Name Immunology Immunology [Member] Immunology [Member] Revenue (Note 2) Revenue Revenues Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year [Member] Finished products Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Zepbound Zepbound [Member] Zepbound Sell Chinese Yuan Sell Chinese Yuan [Member] Sell Chinese Yuan SiteOne Therapeutics, Inc. SiteOne Therapeutics, Inc. [Member] SiteOne Therapeutics, Inc. Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan [Table] Arrangement Duration Trading Arrangement Duration Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Exercise Price Award Exercise Price Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Additional 402(v) Disclosure Additional 402(v) Disclosure [Text Block] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Domain] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Domain] Europe Europe [Member] Other investing activities, net Payment for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activity Other operating activities, net Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Other Item Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Cash Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Cash and Cash Equivalent Assets Assets [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Other cardiometabolic health Other Cardiometabolic Health [Member] Other Cardiometabolic Health Underlying Security Market Price Change Underlying Security Market Price Change, Percent Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Retirement Benefits Retirement Benefits [Text Block] Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Business Combination [Line Items] Business Combination [Line Items] Other current liabilities Derivative Liability, Current Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year [Member] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Purchase of treasury shares Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Accounts receivable, allowances Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Business Combination, Asset Acquisition, Transaction between Entities under Common Control, and Joint Venture Formation [Abstract] Net (gains) losses on foreign currency exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Gross Other Other Product, Total [Member] Other Product, Total [Member] Proceeds from sales of and distributions from noncurrent investments Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Other Investments Amortization of prior service cost (benefit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges (Note 5) Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Fair Value as of Grant Date Award Grant Date Fair Value Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method [Text Block] Net periodic cost (benefit) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Schedule of Other–Net, (Income) Expense Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Reportable Segment Reportable Segment [Member] Reportable Segment Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Changed Peer Group, Footnote Changed Peer Group, Footnote [Text Block] Equity investments without readily determinable fair values Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote [Text Block] Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Title Trading Arrangement, Individual Title Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount 2.125% Notes due 2030 2.125% Notes Due June 3, 2030 [Member] 2.125% Notes Due June 3, 2030 [Member] Milestone Payments, Sales-based Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangements [Axis] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Axis] Restatement Determination Date: Restatement Determination Date [Axis] Stock-based compensation Shares Issued, Value, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Non-PEO NEO Non-PEO NEO [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Issuance of stock under employee stock plans, net Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Brazil BRAZIL Other financing activities, net Proceeds from (Payment for) Other Financing Activity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Schedule of Fair Value Information, Liabilities Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Derivative liability, notional amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Unrealized gross gains Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax One Time Payment One Time Payment [Member] One Time Payment Name Trading Arrangement, Individual Name All Award Types Award Type [Domain] Prior service costs (benefits), net Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member] Effective portion of risk-management instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Noncontrolling interests Equity, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Equity Awards Adjustments Equity Awards Adjustments [Member] Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Compensation Amount Outstanding Recovery Compensation Amount Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Foreign Exchange Contract Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation Disclosure [Line Items] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Offsetting Assets [Table] Offsetting Assets [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] China CHINA MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value [Flag] Name Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Individual Name AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined [Text Block] Contingent value right, additional price per share (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Contingent Value Right, Additional Price Per Share Business Acquisition, Contingent Value Right, Additional Price Per Share Asset Acquisition [Line Items] Asset Acquisition [Line Items] Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investments Proceeds From Sale Of Equity And Available For Sale Securities Proceeds From Sale Of Equity And Available For Sale Securities 4.550% Notes Due 2028 4.550% Notes Due 2028 [Member] 4.550% Notes Due 2028 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 11) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Schedule of Effective Portion of Risk-Management Instruments that was Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedges Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Inventories (Note 6) Inventories Inventory, Net Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-For-Sale Securities AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Parent [Member] Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Company Selected Measure Name Company Selected Measure Name Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Aggregate Available Trading Arrangement, Securities Aggregate Available Amount Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] All Executive Categories All Executive Categories [Member] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Short-term investments (Note 7) Short-Term Investments Effect from interest rate contracts Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10) Commitments and Contingencies Non-GAAP Measure Description Non-GAAP Measure Description [Text Block] Cash acquired Cash Acquired from Acquisition Business Combination [Axis] Business Combination [Axis] Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Transition Report Document Transition Report 1-5 Years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year One Through Five 1.700% Notes due 2049 1.700% Notes Due 2049 [Member] 1.700% Notes due 2049 [Member] Underlying Securities Award Underlying Securities Amount Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount More Than 10 Years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 10 4.750% Notes Due 2030 4.750% Notes Due 2030 [Member] 4.750% Notes Due 2030 Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Common Stock (no par value) Common Class A [Member] Contingent value right, potential consideration (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Contingent Value Right, Potential Consideration Price Per Share Business Acquisition, Contingent Value Right, Potential Consideration Price Per Share Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Table Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Schedule of Effects of Risk-Management Instruments Were Recognized in Other–Net, (Income) Expense Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Total equity Beginning balance Ending balance Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other immunology Other Immunology [Member] Other Immunology [Member] Document Type Document Type Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Name Outstanding Recovery, Individual Name Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Net Investment Hedges Net Investment Hedging [Member] Effective portion of losses on interest rate contracts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] 1.625% Notes due 2043 1.625% Notes Due 2043 [Member] 1.625% Notes Due 2043 All Individuals All Individuals [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain] 5.5% Notes Due 2055 5.5% Notes Due 2055 [Member] 5.5% Notes Due 2055 Effect of Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Effect of Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Name Forgone Recovery, Individual Name Total current assets Assets, Current Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment Stock repurchase program, authorized amount Share Repurchase Program, Authorized, Amount Other receivables Other Receivables, Net, Current Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Average remaining maturity of foreign currency derivatives Average Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Purchases of in-process research and development Payments to Acquire in Process Research and Development Peer Group Issuers, Footnote Peer Group Issuers, Footnote [Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Erroneous Compensation Analysis Erroneous Compensation Analysis [Text Block] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (Note 11) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Foreign Currency Denominated Debt Foreign Currency Denominated Debt [Member] Foreign Currency Denominated Debt [Member] Rest of world Rest Of World [Member] Rest Of World Other changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Business acquisition, share price (in dollars per share) Business Combination, Price Per Share Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Forecast Forecast [Member] 0.625% Notes due 2031 .625% Notes Due 2031 [Member] .625% Notes due 2031 [Member] Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery [Table] Emgality Patent Litigation Emgality Patent Litigation [Member] Emgality Patent Litigation [Member] Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $16.1 (2025) and $14.9 (2024) Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security 6-10 Years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 5 Through 10 Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Accounts receivable derecognized Transfer of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sales, Amount Derecognized Sell Euro Sell Euro [Member] Sell Euro [Member] Beginning balance (in shares) Ending balance (in shares) Treasury Stock, Common, Shares 1.125% Notes due 2051 1.125% Notes Due 2051 [Member] 1.125% Notes Due 2051 Earnings per share: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] 1.625% Notes due 2026 1.625% Notes Due June 2, 2026 [Member] 1.625% Notes Due June 2, 2026 [Member] Other–net, (income) expense (Note 12) Other–net, (income) expense Nonoperating Income (Expense) Orforglipron Orforglipron [Member] Orforglipron Asset Acquisition [Table] Asset Acquisition [Table] Short-term investments Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Current Short-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Other Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Purchase of treasury shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Table] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Table] Award Timing Disclosures [Line Items] Schedule of Components of Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Employee compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Unfunded commitments to invest in venture capital funds Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Acquired in-process research and development (Note 3) Acquired in-process research and development Acquired in-process research and development Research and Development Asset Acquired in Transaction Other than Business Combination or Joint Venture Formation, Writeoff Legal settlement payment Payments for Legal Settlements Number of sites jointly and severally liable for cleanup (fewer than) Loss Contingency, Number Of Sites Jointly And Severally Liable For Cleanup Loss Contingency, Number Of Sites Jointly And Severally Liable For Cleanup Net income Net income Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Oncology Oncology [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Oncology Expiration Date Trading Arrangement Expiration Date Noncurrent Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Less: Business Combination, Cash Acquired [Abstract] Business Combination, Cash Acquired Asset Impairment, Restructuring, and Other Special Charges Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory [Member] Sales returns, rebates, and discounts Sales Returns and Allowances [Member] Eli Lilly and Company Shareholders' Equity Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $12,554.0 (2025) and $11,789.0 (2024) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Purchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Adoption Date Trading Arrangement Adoption Date Contingent value right, additional price per share, aggregate amount Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Range of Outcomes, Maximum, Amount Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income [Text Block] Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status 6.77% Notes due 2036 6.77% Notes Due January 1, 2036 [Member] 6.77% Notes Due January 1, 2036 [Member] Sales rebates and discounts Sales Rebates And Discounts Sales Rebates And Discounts Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table] (Decrease) increase to last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost Inventory, LIFO Reserve Buy USD Sell GBP Buy USD Sell GBP [Member] Buy USD Sell GBP Japan JAPAN Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized Verve Therapeutics, Inc. Verve Therapeutics, Inc. [Member] Verve Therapeutics, Inc. Cross-currency interest rate swaps Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Executive Category: Executive Category [Axis] Other securities, noncurrent investments Other Equity Securities [Member] Other Equity Securities [Member] Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] Maximum remaining maturity of foreign currency derivatives Maximum Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Other–net, (income) expense Other (income) expense Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Israel ISRAEL Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity [Abstract] Collaborations and Other Arrangements Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Cash Flows from Financing Activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Boehringer Ingelheim Boehringer Ingelheim [Member] Boehringer Ingelheim Collaboration and other revenue Collaboration and Other Revenue [Member] Collaboration and Other Revenue [Member] Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in Compensation Table Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in the Compensation Table [Member] Interest Rate Contracts Interest Rate Contract [Member] Acquisition date fair value of consideration transferred Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired to Liability Assumed, Excess (Less), and Goodwill Financial Information Regularly Reviewed by the CODM Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract] Equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI, Current Basis of Presentation and Implementation of New Financial Accounting Standards Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Shares used in calculation of earnings per share: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] All Adjustments to Compensation All Adjustments to Compensation [Member] Pre-launch inventories capitalized Inventory, Capitalized, Gross Inventory, Capitalized, Gross Consideration transferred, number of contingent value rights Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Number Of Contingent Value Rights Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Number Of Contingent Value Rights Retirement of treasury shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired Amendment Flag Amendment Flag 1.375% Notes due 2061 1.375% Notes Due 2061 [Member] 1.375% Notes Due 2061 Retiree Health Benefit Plans Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Cost of common stock in treasury Treasury Stock, Common, Value Termination Date Trading Arrangement Termination Date Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted [Flag] Measure: Measure [Axis] NexPharm Parent HoldCo, LLC and Isopro Holdings, LLC NexPharm Parent HoldCo, LLC and Isopro Holdings, LLC [Member] NexPharm Parent HoldCo, LLC and Isopro Holdings, LLC Noncurrent investments Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Noncurrent Jardiance Jardiance Jardiance [Member] Jardiance [Member] Schedule of Fair Value Information, Assets Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized amount Share Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized, Amount Cost of sales Cost of Product and Service Sold Actuarial losses, net Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Schedule of Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Pay vs Performance Disclosure, Table Pay vs Performance [Table Text Block] Variable rate Long-Term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Costs, expenses, and other: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Additional Segment Information Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Roche Roche [Member] Roche [Member] Beginning balance (in shares) Ending balance (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Buy U.S. Dollars Sell Japanese Yen Buy US dollar Sell Japanese Yen [Member] Buy US dollar Sell Japanese Yen [Member] Buy Euros Sell U.S. Dollars Buy Euro Sell Us Dollar [Member] Foreign Currency Forward Commitment to Buy euro Sell US dollar Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Dividends payable Dividends Payable, Current Interest expense Interest expense Interest Expense, Nonoperating Trading Arrangement: Trading Arrangement [Axis] Other receivables Derivative Asset, Current Total Shareholder Return Amount Total Shareholder Return Amount Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Insider Trading Arrangements [Line Items] Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Raw materials and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross Total noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Number of class action petitions Loss Contingency, Number Of Class Action Petitions Loss Contingency, Number Of Class Action Petitions Mortgage-backed securities Collateralized Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost [Member] Prepaid expenses (Note 8) Prepaid Expense, Current Material Terms of Trading Arrangement Material Terms of Trading Arrangement [Text Block] Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Unfavorable Regulatory Action Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member] Offsetting Assets [Line Items] Offsetting Assets [Line Items] Accrued retirement benefits (Note 9) Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Mounjaro Mounjaro [Member] Mounjaro [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Asset-backed securities Asset-Backed Securities [Member] Cardiometabolic Health Cardiometabolic Health [Member] Cardiometabolic Health Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Cash and cash equivalents (Note 7) Cash and Cash Equivalent Fair value of securities in an unrealized gain position Debt Securities, Available-For-Sale, Unrealized Gain Position Debt Securities, Available-For-Sale, Unrealized Gain Position Change in deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Total Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Non-NEOs Non-NEOs [Member] Corporate debt securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect and Discontinued Operation Employee Benefit Trust Trust for Benefit of Employees [Member]