| Document and Entity Information Document and Entity Information | Feb. 04, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-01136 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 22-0790350 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 4, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB CO |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 430 E. 29th Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 14th Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10016 |
| City Area Code | 212 |
| Local Phone Number | 546-4000 |
| 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 | 0000014272 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Common Stock $0.10 Par Value [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.10 Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | BMY |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.000% Notes due 2025 [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.000% Notes due 2025 |
| Trading Symbol | BMY25 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.750% Notes due 2035 [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.750% Notes due 2035 |
| Trading Symbol | BMY35 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Celgene Contingent Value Rights [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Celgene Contingent Value Rights |
| Trading Symbol | CELG RT |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
