| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 12, 2024 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 12, 2024 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Baxter International Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-4448 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 36-0781620 |
| Entity Address Address Line 1 | One Baxter Parkway |
| Entity Address City Or Town | Deerfield |
| Entity Address State Or Province | IL |
| Entity Address Postal Zip Code | 60015 |
| City Area Code | 224 |
| Local Phone Number | 948-2000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000010456 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Common Stock 1.00 Per Value [Member] | XNYS | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $1.00 par value |
| Trading Symbol | BAX (NYSE) |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Common Stock 1.00 Per Value [Member] | XCHI | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $1.00 par value |
| Trading Symbol | BAX (NYSE) |
| Security Exchange Name | CHX |
| Global Notes 04 Due 2024 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 0.4% Global Notes due 2024 |
| Trading Symbol | BAX 24 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Global Notes 13 Due 2025 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 1.3% Global Notes due 2025 |
| Trading Symbol | BAX 25 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Global Notes 13 Due 2029 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 1.3% Global Notes due 2029 |
| Trading Symbol | BAX 29 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
