Business Combinations [Abstract] Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Unrealized gross gains Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Unrealized gross losses Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Fair value of securities in an unrealized gain position 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. Fair value of securities in an unrealized loss position Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Defined Benefit Pension Plans Pension Plan [Member] Retiree Health Benefit Plans Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Recognized actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss), Immediate Recognition as Component in Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Segment Reporting [Abstract] Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Cymbalta Cymbalta [Member] Cymbalta [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Human pharmaceutical products Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Human Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenue Revenues Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other - Net, (Income) Expense Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Description of Derivative Risk Management Policy Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Document & Entity Information [Abstract] Document & Entity Information [Abstract] 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 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 Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation and Revenue Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Implementation of New Financial Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Equity [Abstract] 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 Loss AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses) Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Unrealized gains/losses on available-for-sale securities Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Defined Benefit Pension and Retiree Health Benefit Plans Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Effective Portion of Cash Flow Hedges Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Reclassification due to adoption of new accounting standard Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Net other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Ending balance Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Asset Impairment, Restructuring, and Other Special Charges Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Axis] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Axis] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Domain] Nonrecurring Adjustment [Domain] Fair Value Adjustment to Inventory Fair Value Adjustment to Inventory [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Animal health products Animal Health [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Animal health Consolidated income before taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Acquired in-process research and development (Note 3) 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) Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges (Note 5) Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Inventory fair value adjustment related to BIVIVP (Note 3) Cost of Goods Sold Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Product Liability Litigation Product Liability Litigation [Member] Matters related to product liability litigation Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case Type [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Takeda Portion Takeda Portion [Member] Takeda Portion [Member] Employee Litigation Employee Litigation [Member] Employee Litigation [Member] Employee Litigation Ruling in April 2018 Employee Litigation Ruling in April Twenty Eighteen [Member] Employee Litigation Ruling in April Twenty Eighteen [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] U.S. UNITED STATES Canada CANADA Ontario ONTARIO Quebec QUEBEC Alberta ALBERTA California CALIFORNIA Brazil BRAZIL Alimta Alimta [Member] Alimta [Member] Actos Actos [Member] Actos [Member] Cymbalta Loss Contingency [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Number of new application Number of New Application Number of New Application Number of cases Loss Contingency, Number of Cases The number of cases pursuant to a particular litigation or loss contingency. Litigation settlement, amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Number of lawsuits Loss Contingency, Number of Lawsuits Number of lawsuits in a particular litigation or loss contingency. Number of plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Damages awarded, value Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Number of Individuals Number of Individuals Number of Individuals Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Prior service benefits, net Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Amortization of retirement benefit items Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Other, net of tax Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges and Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges and Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Foreign currency translation losses Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Other income Nonoperating Income (Expense) Amortization of retirement benefit items: Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Tax (benefit) expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total reclassifications for the period (net of tax) Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] 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] U.S. government and agency securities US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] Corporate debt securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Mortgage-backed securities Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Asset-backed securities Asset-backed Securities [Member] Other Equity Securities [Member] Other Equity Securities [Member] Other Equity Securities [Member] Marketable Securities [Member] Marketable Securities [Member] Marketable Securities [Member] Other securities Other Debt Obligations [Member] Marketable equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Cost and equity method investments Equity Method And Other Investments [Member] Equity Method and Other Investments [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Cost Portion at Other than Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [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] Cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Short-term investments, debt securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Current Short-term investments Available-for-sale Securities, Current Noncurrent investments, debt securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities, Noncurrent Marketable equity securities Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Noncurrent Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Equity Securities, FV-NI Equity Securities, FV-NI Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Cost and equity method investments Other Long-term Investments Noncurrent investments Long-term Investments Short-term commercial paper borrowings Commercial Paper Long-term debt, including current portion Long-term Debt Schedule of Other–net, (income) expense Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Shares repurchased Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Shares repurchased (shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Stock repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Purchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Other comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Benefit/(provision) for income taxes allocated to other comprehensive income (loss) items Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.'s U.S. Vaccine Portfolio Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.'s U.S. Vaccine Portfolio [Member] Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.'s U.S. Feline, Canine, and Rabies Vaccine Portfolio CoLucid Pharmaceuticals CoLucid Pharmaceuticals [Member] CoLucid Pharmaceuticals [Member] Sigilon Therapeutics Sigilon Therapeutics [Member] Sigilon Therapeutics [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Acquired in-process research and development All cash transaction Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Useful life (years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Purchased 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). Value of liabilities assumed Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Liabilities Assumed Income Statement [Abstract] Costs, expenses, and other: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of sales Research and development Research and Development Expense Marketing, selling, and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Acquired in-process research and development (Note 3) Asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges (Note 5) Other–net, (income) expense (Note 12) 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 taxes (Note 8) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings (loss) per share: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Shares used in calculation of earnings (loss) per share: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Dividends paid per share (usd per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Net product revenue Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Collaboration and other revenue Other Revenue, Net Revenue Contract liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability Payment term, minimum (in days) Revenue from Contract, Payment Term, Minimum Revenue from Contract, Payment Term Payment term, maximum (in days) Revenue from Contract, Payment Term, Maximum Revenue from Contract, Payment Term, Maximum Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Severance Severance Costs Asset impairment and other special charges - Animal health products Asset Impairment Charges Total asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Diabetes Collaboration Diabetes Collaboration [Member] Diabetes Collaboration [Member] Bi Compounds Bi Compounds [Member] describes BI's compounds contributed to the diabetes collaboration -- linagliptin and BI10773. Erbitux Erbitux [Member] Erbitux [Member] Effient Effient [Member] Effient [Member] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Schedule of revenue recognized Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of exclusive marketing rights in certain other territories. Schedule of Marketing Rights [Table Text Block] Schedule of Marketing Rights [Table Text Block] Collaborations and Other Arrangements Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Securities Contractual Maturities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Total Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Less Than 1 Year Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value 1-5 Years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value 6-10 Years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value More Than 10 Years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Schedule of the amounts recognized for assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of asset acquisition Schedule of Research and Development Assets Acquired Other than Through Business Combination [Table Text Block] Proceeds from sales Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Realized gross gains on sales Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Realized gross losses on sales Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Adoption of ASU [Abstract] Adoption of ASU [Abstract] Adoption of ASU [Abstract] Proceeds from sales Proceeds from Sale of Equity and Available for Sale Securities Proceeds from Sale of Equity and Available for Sale Securities Realized gross gains on sales Available for Sale Securities and Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Gain Available for Sale Securities and Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Gain Realized gross losses on sales Available for sale Securities and Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Loss Available for sale Securities and Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Business Combinations Policy Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Interest expense Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Retirement benefit Net Periodic Defined Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Excluding Service Cost Component Net Periodic Defined Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Excluding Service Cost Component Other income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other–net, (income) expense Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Year 2013 Tax Year 2013 [Member] Tax Year 2014 Tax Year 2014 [Member] Tax Year 2015 Tax Year 2015 [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Income taxes Income before income taxes Tax year under examination Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination Outside U.S. International [Member] International [Member] Europe Europe [Member] Japan JAPAN Other foreign countries Other Foreign Countries [Member] Other Foreign Countries [Member] Endocrinology Endocrinology [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Endocrinology Humalog® Humalog [Member] Humalog [Member] Trulicity® Trulicity [Member] [Member] Trulicity [Member] [Member] Humulin® Humulin [Member] Humulin [Member] Forteo® Forteo [Member] Forteo [Member] Basaglar Basaglar [Member] Basaglar [Member] Jardiance Jardiance (BI) [Member] Jardiance (BI) [Member] Trajenta Trajenta (BI) [Member] Trajenta (BI) [Member] Other Endocrinology Other Endocrinology [Member] Other Endocrinology [Member] Oncology Oncology [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Oncology Cyramza® Cyramza [Member] Cyramza [Member] Other Oncology Other Oncology [Member] Other Oncology [Member] Cardiovascular Cardiovascular [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Cardiovascular Cialis® Cialis [Member] Cialis [Member] Other Cardiovascular Other Cardiovascular [Member] Other Cardiovascular [Member] Neuroscience Neuroscience [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Neuroscience Strattera® Strattera [Member] Strattera [Member] Zyprexa® Zyprexa [Member] Zyprexa [Member] Other Neuroscience Other Neuroscience [Member] Other Neuroscience [Member] Immunology Immunology [Member] Immunology [Member] Taltz Taltz [Member] Taltz [Member] Other Immunology Other Immunology [Member] Other Immunology [Member] Other pharmaceuticals Other Pharmaceuticals [Member] Revenue to unaffiliated customers, Other pharmaceuticals Animal health products Animal Health Products [Member] Animal Health Products [Member] Other revenue Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] 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] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized, Cumulative Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized (Deferred), Cumulative [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized, Cumulative [Member] Sales Acquisition Terms - Contingent Consideration [Member] Acquisition Terms - Contingent Consideration [Member] Royalty Agreement Terms Royalty Agreement Terms [Member] Research and Development Exp Research and Development Expense [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Expensed Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Expensed [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Expensed [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized (Deferred) [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, Capitalized [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, First Indication Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, First Indication [Member] Milestone Payments, Development and Regulatory, First Indication [Member] Milestone Payments, Sales-based Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Milestone Payments, Sales-based [Member] Profit and Development and Marketing Share 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. Olumiant Olumiant [Member] Olumiant [Member] Tanezumab Tanezumab [Member] Tanezumab [Member] Lanabecestat Lanabecestat [Member] Lanabecestat [Member] Milestones (deferred) capitalized Collaborative Arrangement, Rights and Obligations, Terms Terms or rights and obligations under collaborative arrangements. Collaborative arrangement, rights and obligations (percentage) 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. Equity Securities Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Foreign Currency Denominated Debt Foreign Currency Denominated Debt [Member] Foreign Currency Denominated Debt [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Buy Us Dollar Sell Euro Buy Us Dollar Sell Euro [Member] Foreign Currency Forward commitment to Buy US dollar Sell euro Buy Euro Sell Us Dollar Buy Euro Sell Us Dollar [Member] Foreign Currency Forward Commitment to Buy euro Sell US dollar Buy US dollar Sell Japanese Yen Buy US dollar Sell Japanese Yen [Member] Buy US dollar Sell Japanese Yen [Member] Buy GBP Sell USD [Member] Buy GBP Sell USD [Member] Buy GBP Sell USD Buy US dollar Sell British pound Buy US dollar Sell British pound [Member] Buy US dollar Sell British pound [Member] Derivative liability, notional amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative asset, notional amount Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Maximum remaining maturity of foreign currency derivatives Maximum Remaining Maturity of Foreign Currency Derivatives Long-term debt, including current portion Description of derivative activity volume (percentage) 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 Interest rate cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified during next 12 months Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Cash payment Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability OTTI recognized Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Unrealized gain (loss), net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities Available-for-sale, percentage of nonperforming assets (percentage) Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Other, Percentage of Nonperforming Assets Amount of receivable derecognized Transfer of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sales, Amount Derecognized 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 [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Inventories Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Marketed products Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other assets and liabilities - net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets and Liabilities, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets and Liabilities, Net Total identifiable net assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Goodwill Goodwill Total consideration transferred - net of cash acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Schedule of revenue recognized in our consolidated condensed statements of operations Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Schedule of amounts recorded for contract liabilities Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Net investment hedges Net Investment Hedging [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Effect from hedged fixed-rate debt Hedged Fixed Rate Debt [Member] Hedged Fixed-Rate Debt [Member] Effect from interest rate contracts Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign currency exchange contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Cross-currency interest rate swaps Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Effect from hedged fixed-rate debt Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedged Item in Fair Value Hedge Effect from interest rate contracts Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments Effective portion of losses on interest rate contracts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion Net losses on foreign currency exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Effective portion of risk-management instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Receivables, Net, Current [Abstract] Allowances for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment 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] Schedule of effective portion of risk-management instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary certain fair value information Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Summary certain fair value information, liabilities Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Summary the contractual maturities of our investments in debt securities measured at fair value Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Activity related to our investment portfolio, substantially all of which related to equity and available-for-sale securities Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Increase to deferred tax assets upon adoption Deferred Tax Assets, Net Other receivables Derivative Asset, Current Sundry Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Other current liabilities Derivative Liability, Current Other noncurrent liabilities Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Other current liabilities Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current Other noncurrent liabilities Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents (Note 6) Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Short-term investments (Note 6) Short-term Investments Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $40.1 (2018) and $38.7 (2017) 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] Investments (Note 6) Other intangibles Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Deferred tax assets Sundry Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Assets, Noncurrent Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $9,539.6 (2018) and $9,264.6 (2017) 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 Taxes Payable, 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 (Note 9) Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, 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 (Note 7) 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 Employee benefit trust Common Stock, Shares Held in Employee Trust Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 11) 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 Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Net income (loss) Other comprehensive income, net of tax (Note 11) Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) 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 Other changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions 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 Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [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 Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 3) Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Purchase of in-process research and development (Note 3) Other investing activities, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net Cash Used for Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Net change in short-term borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Purchases 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 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 March 31 Pension contributions Payment for Pension Benefits Estimated future employer contributions in current fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Remainder of Fiscal Year The components of the charges included in asset impairment, restructuring, and other special charges Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Retirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]