Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case Type [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Multi District Litigation MDL [Member] Multi District Litigation Mdl [Member] Product liability cases that are part of the MDL. Product Liability Litigation [Member] Product Liability Litigation [Member] Matters related to product liability litigation Lilly Portion [Member] Lilly Portion [Member] Lilly Portion [Member] Takeda Portion [Member] Takeda Portion [Member] Takeda Portion [Member] Employee Litigation [Member] Employee Litigation [Member] Employee Litigation [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] CANADA CANADA ONTARIO ONTARIO QUEBEC QUEBEC ALBERTA ALBERTA CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA Brazil [Member] BRAZIL Other states [Member] Other states [Member] Other states [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Damages from Product, Cancer [Member] Damages from Product, Cancer [Member] Damages from Product, Cancer [Member] Compensatory Damages [Member] Compensatory Damages [Member] Compensatory Damages [Member] Punitive Damages [Member] Punitive Damages [Member] Punitive Damages [Member] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Byetta [Member] Byetta [Member] Byetta Prozac [Member] Prozac [Member] Prozac [Member] Actos [Member] Actos [Member] Actos [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Loss Contingency, Number of Lawsuits Number of lawsuits in a particular litigation or loss contingency. Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Claimants The number of claimants in a given litigation or loss contingency Loss Contingency, Number of Cases The number of cases pursuant to a particular litigation or loss contingency. Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Litigation Settlement, Amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Loss Contingency, Parties Jointly and Severally Liable in Litigation, Percent Share Loss Contingency, Parties Jointly and Severally Liable in Litigation, Percent Share Identifies the PERCENT share of individuals or entities that are co-defendants in a lawsuit, and who may have to pay all or a portion of any damages awarded. Extraordinary and Unusual Items [Abstract] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Table] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Table] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Axis] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Axis] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Domain] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Domain] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items] Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items] Unusual or Infrequent Items Disclosure [Text Block] Unusual or Infrequent Items Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Change in deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Net realized investment gains Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments Payments for terminations of interest rate swaps Payments for (Proceeds from) Hedge, Operating Activities The net cash outflow or inflow for a financial contract that meets the hedge criteria as either cash flow hedge, fair value hedge or hedge of net investment in foreign operations. Acquired in-process research and development Payments to Acquire in Process Research and Development Income related to the termination of the exenatide collaboration Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination Other changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other non-cash operating activities, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net purchases of property and equipment Payments for (Proceeds from) Productive Assets Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments Proceeds from Sale of Short-term Investments Purchases of short-term investments Payments to Acquire Short-term Investments Proceeds from sales of noncurrent investments Proceeds from Sale of Long-term Investments Purchases of noncurrent investments Payments to Acquire Long-term Investments Restricted cash released for acquisition Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Proceeds from sale of product rights Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Purchase of in-process research and development Purchased in-process research and development The amount of CASH paid for research and development assets that are acquired in a business combination (pre-141R) and/or licensing arrangement that have no alternative future use and are therefore, written off in the period of acquisition (CASH FLOWS). Purchase of product rights Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Proceeds from prepayment of revenue-sharing obligation Proceeds from Sale of Intangible Assets Other investing activities, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net Cash Used in Financing Activities [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Net change in short-term borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayment of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Purchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Other financing activities, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net Cash Used for Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents at March 31 Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Financial Instruments [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority Document & Entity Information [Abstract] Document & Entity Information [Abstract] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Information, Document [Axis] Document Information, Document [Axis] Document [Domain] Document [Domain] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding PUERTO RICO PUERTO RICO Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Business Combinations [Abstract] Acquisitions [Text Block] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangements [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborations [Text Block] Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Erbitux [Member] Erbitux [Member] Erbitux [Member] Exenatide [Member] Exenatide [Member] Exenatide Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Total Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Pension Contributions Pension Contributions Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions, Estimated Future Discretionary Contributions Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions, Estimated Future Discretionary Contributions Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions, Estimated Future Discretionary Contributions Definition: The amount of estimated future DISCRETIONARY cash or cash equivalents contributed during the reporting period by the entity to fund its pension plans and its non-pension postretirement benefit plans. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue Revenues Cost of sales Cost of Goods Sold Research and development Research and Development Expense Marketing, selling, and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Acquired in-process research and development Acquired in-process research and development The amount of EXPENSE related to research and development assets that are acquired in a business combination (pre-141R) and/or licensing arrangement that have no alternative future use and are therefore written off in the period of acquisition (INCOME STATEMENT) Other - net, (income) expense Nonoperating Income (Expense) Cost of sales, operating expenses, and other-net Cost of sales, operating expenses, and other-net Cost of sales, operating expenses, and other-net Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, including incremental shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Basic Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, including incremental shares and stock options Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Dividends paid per share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Amylin [Member] Amylin [Member] Relates to all collaborative arrangements with Amylin. Interest Expense Investment Income, Interest Investment Income, Interest Other (income)expense Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Retirement Benefits [Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative, Name [Domain] Buy British pound Sell euro [Member] Buy British Pound Sell Euro [Member] Foreign currency forward commitments to Buy British pound Sell euro Buy US dollar Sell euro [Member] Buy Us Dollar Sell Euro [Member] Foreign Currency Forward commitment to Buy US dollar Sell euro Buy euro Sell US dollar [Member] Buy Euro Sell Us Dollar [Member] Foreign Currency Forward Commitment to Buy euro Sell US dollar Buy US dollar Sell Japanese Yen [Member] Buy US dollar Sell Japanese Yen [Member] Buy US dollar Sell Japanese Yen [Member] Buy euro sell British pound [Member] Buy euro sell British pound [Member] Buy euro sell British pound [Member] Buy US dollar Sell British pound [Member] Buy US dollar Sell British pound [Member] Buy US dollar Sell British pound [Member] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Equity Securities, US [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Equity Method and Other Investments [Member] Equity Method And Other Investments [Member] Equity Method and Other Investments [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Plan Asset Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Available-for-Sale Securities, Amortized Cost [Member] Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost [Member] This item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any. Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Equity Contract [Member] Equity Contract [Member] Hedged Fixed-Rate Debt [Member] Hedged Fixed Rate Debt [Member] Hedged Fixed-Rate Debt [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Maturity Date, 2019 [Member] Maturity Date, 2019 [Member] Maturity Date, 2019 [Member] Maturity Date, 2018 [Member] Maturity Date, 2018 [Member] Maturity Date, 2018 Maturity Date, 2025 [Member] Maturity Date, 2025 [Member] Maturity Date, 2025 [Member] Maturity Date, 2045 [Member] Maturity Date, 2045 [Member] Maturity Date, 2045 [Member] Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Short-term Debt Short-term Debt Derivative Instruments, Gain Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion Derivative Instruments, Gain Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion Repayments of Long-term Debt Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Derivative Assets, Current Derivative Asset, Current Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Other, Percentage of Nonperforming Assets Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Other, Percentage of Nonperforming Assets Maximum Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Maximum Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate Description of Derivative Activity Volume Percent Label: Description of Derivative Activity Volume Element ID: us-gaap_DescriptionOfDerivativeActivityVolume Balance Type: na Data Type: PERCENT Period Type: duration --------------------------------------------------------------------- Definition: Information that would enable users to understand the volume of the entity's derivative activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 44 -Subparagraph 2 Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Derivative Assets, Noncurrent Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Derivative Liabilities, Current Derivative Liability, Current Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Gain Position, Fair Value ------------------------------------------ Definition: This item represents the fair value of securities in an unrealized gain position which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Current [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Current Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Current Available-for-sale Securities, Current, Total Available-for-sale Securities, Current Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Noncurrent Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Noncurrent Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Noncurrent Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Noncurrent Other Long-term Investments Other Long-term Investments Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent, Total Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Payments for terminations of interest rate swaps Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net Notional Amount of Nonderivative Instruments Derivative, Remaining Maturity Derivative, Remaining Maturity Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Animal Health Products [Member] Animal Health Products [Member] Animal Health Products [Member] In Process Research and Development [Member] In Process Research and Development [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Goodwill Goodwill Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Sum of the gross carrying amounts before accumulated amortization (if applicable) as of the balance sheet date of all intangible assets. The aggregate gross carrying amount (including any previously recognized impairment charges) of a major 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. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments Short-term Investments Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $49.9 (2015) and $55.0 (2014) Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Other receivables Other Receivables, Net, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Other Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Investments Long-term Investments Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Other intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Sundry Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Assets, Noncurrent Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Land, buildings, equipment, and construction in progress Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Total assets Assets Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt Debt, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Employee compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Sales rebates and discounts Sales rebates and discounts Sales rebates and discounts Dividends payable Dividends Payable, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Accrued retirement benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Long-term income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total other liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Eli Lilly and Company Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Employee benefit trust Common Stock, Shares Held in Employee Trust Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Cost of common stock in treasury Treasury Stock, Value Total Eli Lilly and Company shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Income Taxes [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Axis] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Axis] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Domain] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Domain] Amortization of Fair Value Adjusted Intangible Assets [Member] Amortization of Fair Value Adjusted Intangible Assets [Member] Amortization of Fair Value Adjusted Intangible Assets [Member] Fair Value Adjustment to Inventory [Member] Fair Value Adjustment to Inventory [Member] Acquisition-related Costs [Member] Acquisition-related Costs [Member] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Domain] Major Property Class [Domain] Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member] Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale [Member] United States [Member] UNITED STATES U.S. Sentinel Product Line [Member] U.S. Sentinel Product Line [Member] U.S. Sentinel Product Line [Member] Tanezumab [Member] Tanezumab [Member] Tanezumab [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Lohmann Animal Health [Member] Lohmann Animal Health [Member] Lohmann Animal Health [Member] Novartis Animal Health [Member] Novartis Animal Health [Member] Novartis Animal Health [Member] Immunocore Limited [Member] Immunocore Limited [Member] Immunocore Limited [Member] AstraZeneca [Member] AstraZeneca [Member] AstraZeneca [Member] Innovent Biologics, Inc. [Member] Innovent Biologics, Inc. [Member] Innovent Biologics, Inc. [Member] Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. [Member] Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. [Member] Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. [Member] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Interest Expense Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets held for sale Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Shareholder Value Awards [Member] Shareholder Value Awards [Member] Shareholder Value Awards are granted to officers and management and are payable in shares of common stock at the end of a 3 yr period. Performance Shares [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Sales [Member] Sales Reported [Member] Sales recorded pursuant to a collaborative arrangement. Revenue Share [Member] Revenue Share [Member] Revenue sharing evidenced through collaboration partner's issuance of a secured note. Secured Note [Member] Secured Note [Member] Secured Note [Member] Profit and Development and Marketing Share [Member] Profit And Development And Marketing Share [Member] Share of profits, research and development expenses, and marketing expenses pursuant to the terms of a collaborative arrangement. Selling and Marketing Expense [Member] Selling and Marketing Expense [Member] Research and Development Exp [Member] Research and Development Expense [Member] Research and Development and Marketing and Selling Expense [Member] Research And Development And Marketing And Selling Expense [Member] R&D and Selling & Mktg Expense share pursuant to a collaborative arrangement. Milestone Payments [Member] Milestone Payments [Member] Milestone payments either paid or anticipated pursuant to a collaborative arrangement. Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory [Member] Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Royalty Agreement Terms [Member] Royalty Agreement Terms [Member] Royalty Payments Received [Member] Royalty Arrangement [Member] Loan Commitment [Member] Loan Commitment [Member] Loan Commitment by either party pursuant to the terms of a collaborative arrangement. Upfront Payment [Member] Upfront Payment [Member] Upfront payment made in accordance with the terms of a collaborative arrangement. Collaborative Arrangement [Member] Collaborative Arrangement [Member] Outside the United States [Member] Outside United States [Member] Outside the United States Bi Compounds [Member] Bi Compounds [Member] describes BI's compounds contributed to the diabetes collaboration -- linagliptin and BI10773. Lly Compounds [Member] Lly Compounds [Member] Definition: describes Lilly's compounds contributed to the diabetes collaboration with BI -- LY2605541 and LY2963016. Effient [Member] Effient [Member] Effient [Member] Exenatide Once Weekly [Member] Exenatide Once Weekly [Member] Exenatide Once Weekly Solanezumab [Member] Solanezumab [Member] Solanezumab [Member] Trajenta (BI) [Member] Trajenta (BI) [Member] Trajenta (BI) [Member] Jardiance (BI) [Member] Jardiance [Member] Jardiance [Member] Baricitinib [Member] Baricitinib [Member] Baricitinib [Member] Net product sales Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Collaboration and other revenue Other Revenue, Net Revenue Income related to the termination of the exenatide collaboratio Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Terms Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Terms Terms or rights and obligations under collaborative arrangements. Nonoperating Income (Expense) Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Amount Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Amount Label: Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations Element ID: us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementRightsAndObligations Balance Type: na Data Type: MONETARY Period Type: duration --------------------------------------------------------------------- Definition: Description of rights and obligations under the collaborative arrangements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 07-1 -Paragraph 21 -Subparagraph b Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Terms of Arrangement, Period Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Terms of Arrangement, Period Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Terms of Arrangement, Period Period over which a certain term (right or obligation) of a collaborative arrangement is to be recognized, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations Percent Description of rights and obligations under the collaborative arrangements, including but not limited to - percent share in various revenues and costs, percent interest earned on related party notes. Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred Revenue, Current Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Other - Net, Expense (Income) [Text Block] Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Receivables, Net, Current [Abstract] Allowances for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Other 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Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, before Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Reclassification Adjustments, Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Reclassification Adjustments, Tax Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Description of Derivative Risk Management Policy Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Other Endocrinology [Member] Other Endocrinology [Member] Other Endocrinology [Member] Humalog [Member] Humalog [Member] Humalog [Member] Humulin [Member] Humulin [Member] Humulin [Member] Forteo [Member] Forteo [Member] Forteo [Member] Evista [Member] Evista [Member] Evista [Member] Cymbalta [Member] Cymbalta [Member] Cymbalta [Member] Zyprexa [Member] Zyprexa [Member] Zyprexa [Member] Strattera [Member] Strattera [Member] Strattera [Member] Other Neuroscience [Member] Other Neuroscience [Member] Other Neuroscience [Member] Alimta [Member] Alimta [Member] Alimta [Member] Other Oncology [Member] Other Oncology [Member] Other Oncology [Member] Cialis [Member] Cialis [Member] Cialis [Member] Other Cardiovascular [Member] Other Cardiovascular [Member] Other Cardiovascular [Member] Cyramza [Member] Cyramza [Member] Cyramza [Member] Neuroscience [Member] Neuroscience [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Neuroscience Endocrinology [Member] Endocrinology [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Endocrinology Oncology [Member] Oncology [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Oncology Cardiovascular [Member] Cardiovascular [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Cardiovascular Animal health [Member] Animal Health [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Animal health Other pharmaceuticals [Member] Other Pharmaceuticals [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Other pharmaceuticals Pharmaceutical products, total [Member] Pharmaceutical Products Total [Member] The sum of revenue from pharmaceutical products. Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Depreciation Depreciation Income before income taxes Acquired in-process research and development Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Contingencies [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]