AbbVie (ABBV) 10-K 19 Feb 21 2020 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-35565
Entry Registrant Name	AbbVie Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	32-0375147
Entity Address, Address Line One	1 North Waukegan Road
Entity Address, City or Town	North Chicago
Entity Address, State or Province	IL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	60064-6400
City Area Code	847
Local Phone Number	932-7900
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 171,597,270,533
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,765,881,690
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of the 2021 AbbVie Inc. Proxy Statement are incorporated by reference into Part III. The Definitive Proxy Statement will be filed on or about March 22, 2021.
Entity Central Index Key	0001551152
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Common stock | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	ABBV
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Common stock | CHICAGO STOCK EXCHANGE, INC
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	ABBV
Security Exchange Name	CHX
Sec 0.500 Senior Notes Due 2021 | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	0.500% Senior Notes due 2021
Trading Symbol	ABBV21C
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Sec 1.500 Senior Notes Due 2023 | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	1.500% Senior Notes due 2023
Trading Symbol	ABBV23B
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Sec 1.375 Senior Notes Due 2024 | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	1.375% Senior Notes due 2024
Trading Symbol	ABBV24
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Sec 1.250 Senior Notes Due 2024 | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	1.250% Senior Notes due 2024
Trading Symbol	ABBV24B
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Sec 0.750 Senior Notes Due 2027 | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	0.750% Senior Notes due 2027
Trading Symbol	ABBV27
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Sec 2.125 Senior Notes due 2028 | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	2.125% Senior Notes due 2028
Trading Symbol	ABBV28
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Sec 2.625 Senior Notes Due 2028 | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	2.625% Senior Notes due 2028
Trading Symbol	ABBV28B
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Sec 2.125 Senior Notes Due 2029 | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	2.125% Senior Notes due 2029
Trading Symbol	ABBV29
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Sec 1.250 Senior Notes Due 2031 | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC.
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	1.250% Senior Notes due 2031
Trading Symbol	ABBV31
Security Exchange Name	NYSE

Consolidated Statements of Earn

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net revenues	$ 45,804	$ 33,266	$ 32,753
Cost of products sold	15,387	7,439	7,718
Selling, general and administrative	11,299	6,942	7,399
Research and development	6,557	6,407	10,329
Acquired in-process research and development	1,198	385	424
Other operating (income) expense	0	(890)	500
Total operating costs and expenses	34,441	20,283	26,370
Operating earnings	11,363	12,983	6,383
Interest expense, net	2,280	1,509	1,144
Net foreign exchange loss	71	42	24
Other expense, net	5,614	3,006	18
Earnings before income tax expense	3,398	8,426	5,197
Income tax expense (benefit)	(1,224)	544	(490)
Net earnings	4,622	7,882	5,687
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest	6	0	0
Net earnings attributable to AbbVie Inc.	$ 4,616	$ 7,882	$ 5,687
Per share data
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.73	$ 5.30	$ 3.67
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.72	$ 5.28	$ 3.66
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding (in shares)	1,667	1,481	1,541
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	1,673	1,484	1,546

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 4,622	$ 7,882	$ 5,687
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax expense (benefit) of $28 in 2020, $(4) in 2019 and $(18) in 2018	1,511	(98)	(391)
Net investment hedging activities, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(221) in 2020, $22 in 2019 and $40 in 2018	(799)	74	138
Pension and post-employment benefits, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(47) in 2020, $(323) in 2019 and $35 in 2018	(102)	(1,243)	197
Marketable security activities, net of tax expense (benefit) of $— in 2020, $— in 2019 and $— in 2018	0	10	(10)
Cash flow hedging activities, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(23) in 2020, $70 in 2019 and $23 in 2018	(131)	141	313
Other comprehensive income (loss)	479	(1,116)	247
Comprehensive income	5,101	6,766	5,934
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	6	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to AbbVie Inc.	$ 5,095	$ 6,766	$ 5,934

Consolidated Statements of Co_2

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax expense (benefit)	$ 28	$ (4)	$ (18)
Net investment hedging activities, tax expense (benefit)	(221)	22	40
Pension and post-employment benefits, tax expense (benefit)	(47)	(323)	35
Marketable securities activities, tax expense (benefit)	0	0	0
Cash flow hedging activities, tax expense (benefit)	$ (23)	$ 70	$ 23

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets
Cash and equivalents	$ 8,449	$ 39,924
Short-term investments	30	0
Accounts receivable, net	8,822	5,428
Inventories	3,310	1,813
Prepaid expenses and other	3,562	2,354
Total current assets	24,173	49,519
Investments	293	93
Property and equipment, net	5,248	2,962
Intangible assets, net	82,876	18,649
Goodwill	33,124	15,604
Other assets	4,851	2,288
Total assets	150,565	89,115
Current liabilities
Short-term borrowings	34	0
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations	8,468	3,753
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	20,159	11,832
Total current liabilities	28,661	15,585
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	77,554	62,975
Deferred income taxes	3,646	1,130
Other long-term liabilities	27,607	17,597
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 4,000,000,000 shares authorized, 1,792,140,764 shares issued as of December 31, 2020 and 1,781,582,608 as of December 31, 2019	18	18
Common stock held in treasury, at cost, 27,007,945 shares as of December 31, 2020 and 302,671,146 as of December 31, 2019	(2,264)	(24,504)
Additional paid-in capital	17,384	15,193
Retained earnings	1,055	4,717
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,117)	(3,596)
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)	13,076	(8,172)
Noncontrolling interest	21	0
Total equity (deficit)	13,097	(8,172)
Total liabilities and equity	$ 150,565	$ 89,115

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	4,000,000,000	4,000,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	1,792,140,764	1,781,582,608
Common stock held in treasury, at cost (in shares)	27,007,945	302,671,146

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Total	Adoption of new accounting standards	[1]	Common stock	Common stockAdoption of new accounting standards	[1]	Treasury stock	Treasury stockAdoption of new accounting standards	[1]	Additional paid-in capital	Additional paid-in capitalAdoption of new accounting standards	[1]	Retained earnings	Retained earningsAdoption of new accounting standards	[1]	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Accumulated other comprehensive lossAdoption of new accounting standards	[1]	Noncontrolling interest	Noncontrolling interestAdoption of new accounting standards	[1]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 5,097	$ (1,733)		$ 18	$ 0		$ (11,923)	$ 0		$ 14,270	$ 0		$ 5,459	$ (1,733)		$ (2,727)	$ 0		$ 0	$ 0
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017				1,592
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net earnings attributable to AbbVie Inc.	5,687			$ 0			0			0			5,687			0			0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	247			0			0			0			0			247			0
Dividends declared	(6,045)			0			0			0			(6,045)			0			0
Purchases of treasury stock	(12,215)			$ 0			(12,215)			0			0			0			0
Purchases of treasury stock (in shares)				(121)
Stock-based compensation plans and other	516			$ 0			30			486			0			0			0
Stock-based compensation plans and other (in shares)				8
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	(8,446)			$ 18			(24,108)			14,756			3,368			(2,480)			0
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018				1,479
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net earnings attributable to AbbVie Inc.	7,882			$ 0			0			0			7,882			0			0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(1,116)			0			0			0			0			(1,116)			0
Dividends declared	(6,533)			0			0			0			(6,533)			0			0
Purchases of treasury stock	(428)			$ 0			(428)			0			0			0			0
Purchases of treasury stock (in shares)				(5)
Stock-based compensation plans and other	469			$ 0			32			437			0			0			0
Stock-based compensation plans and other (in shares)				5
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019	(8,172)			$ 18			(24,504)			15,193			4,717			(3,596)			0
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019				1,479
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net earnings attributable to AbbVie Inc.	4,616			$ 0			0			0			4,616			0			0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	479			0			0			0			0			479			0
Dividends declared	(8,278)			0			0			0			(8,278)						0
Purchases of treasury stock	(978)			$ 0			(978)			0			0			0			0
Purchases of treasury stock (in shares)				(10)
Common shares and equity awards issued for acquisition of Allergan plc	24,409			$ 0			23,166			1,243			0			0			0
Common shares and equity awards issued for acquisition of Allergan plc (in shares)				286
Stock-based compensation plans and other	1,000			$ 0			52			948			0			0			0
Stock-based compensation plans and other (in shares)				10
Change in noncontrolling interest	21			$ 0			0			0			0			0			21
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 13,097			$ 18			$ (2,264)			$ 17,384			$ 1,055			$ (3,117)			$ 21
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020				1,765
[1]	Adoption of new accounting standards primarily includes the cumulative-effect adjustment of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory .

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings	$ 4,622	$ 7,882	$ 5,687
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation	666	464	471
Amortization of intangible assets	5,805	1,553	1,294
Deferred income taxes	(2,325)	122	(1,517)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities	5,753	3,091	49
Stock-based compensation	753	430	421
Upfront costs and milestones related to collaborations	1,376	490	1,061
Gain on divestitures	0	(330)	0
Intangible asset impairment	0	1,030	5,070
Impacts related to U.S. tax reform	0	0	424
Other, net	832	43	76
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(929)	(74)	(591)
Inventories	(40)	(231)	(226)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	134	(225)	(200)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	1,514	97	734
Income tax assets and liabilities, net	(573)	(1,018)	674
Cash flows from operating activities	17,588	13,324	13,427
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(38,260)	0	0
Other acquisitions and investments	(1,350)	(1,135)	(736)
Acquisitions of property and equipment	(798)	(552)	(638)
Purchases of investment securities	(61)	(583)	(1,792)
Sales and maturities of investment securities	1,525	2,699	2,160
Other, net	1,387	167	0
Cash flows from investing activities	(37,557)	596	(1,006)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in commercial paper borrowings	0	(699)	299
Proceeds from issuance of other short-term borrowings	0	0	3,002
Repayments of other short-term borrowings	0	(3,000)	0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	3,000	31,482	5,963
Repayments of long-term debt and finance lease obligations	(5,683)	(1,536)	(6,035)
Debt issuance costs	(20)	(424)	(40)
Dividends paid	(7,716)	(6,366)	(5,580)
Purchases of treasury stock	(978)	(629)	(12,014)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	209	8	73
Payments of contingent consideration liabilities	(321)	(163)	(78)
Other, net	8	35	14
Cash flows from financing activities	(11,501)	18,708	(14,396)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	(5)	7	(39)
Net change in cash and equivalents	(31,475)	32,635	(2,014)
Cash and equivalents, beginning of year	39,924	7,289	9,303
Cash and equivalents, end of year	8,449	39,924	7,289
Other supplemental information
Interest paid, net of portion capitalized	2,619	1,794	1,215
Income taxes paid	1,674	1,447
Income taxes received			35
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities
Issuance of common shares associated with acquisitions of businesses	$ 23,979	$ 0	$ 0

Background and Basis of Present

Background and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Background	Background Background The principal business of AbbVie Inc. (AbbVie or the company) is the discovery, development, manufacture and sale of a broad line of pharmaceutical products. AbbVie's products are generally sold worldwide directly to wholesalers, distributors, government agencies, health care facilities, specialty pharmacies and independent retailers from AbbVie-owned distribution centers and public warehouses. Certain products (including aesthetic products and devices) are also sold directly to physicians and other licensed healthcare providers. In the United States, AbbVie distributes pharmaceutical products principally through independent wholesale distributors, with some sales directly to retailers, pharmacies and patients. Outside the United States, AbbVie sells products primarily to customers or through distributors, depending on the market served. AbbVie was incorporated in Delaware on April 10, 2012. On January 1, 2013, AbbVie became an independent, publicly-traded company as a result of the distribution by Abbott Laboratories (Abbott) of 100% of the outstanding common stock of AbbVie to Abbott's shareholders. On May 8, 2020, AbbVie completed its previously announced acquisition of Allergan plc (Allergan). Refer to Note 5 for additional information regarding this acquisition.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and necessarily include amounts based on estimates and assumptions by management. Actual results could differ from those amounts. Significant estimates include amounts for rebates, pension and other post-employment benefits, income taxes, litigation, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, contingent consideration liabilities, financial instruments and inventory and accounts receivable exposures. Basis of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AbbVie and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. Controlling interest is determined by majority ownership interest and the absence of substantive third-party participating rights or, in the case of variable interest entities, where AbbVie is determined to be the primary beneficiary. Investments in companies over which AbbVie has a significant influence but not a controlling interest are accounted for using the equity method with AbbVie's share of earnings or losses reported in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of earnings. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made to conform the prior period consolidated financial statements to the current period presentation. Revenue Recognition AbbVie recognizes revenue when control of promised goods or services is transferred to the company’s customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration AbbVie expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Sales, value add and other taxes collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. AbbVie generates revenue primarily from product sales. For the majority of sales, the company transfers control, invoices the customer and recognizes revenue upon shipment to the customer. The company recognizes shipping and handling costs as an expense in cost of products sold when the company transfers control to the customer. Payment terms vary depending on the type and location of the customer, are based on customary commercial terms and are generally less than one year. AbbVie does not adjust revenue for the effects of a significant financing component for contracts where AbbVie expects the period between the transfer of the good or service and collection to be one year or less. Discounts, rebates, sales incentives to customers, returns and certain other adjustments are accounted for as variable consideration. Provisions for variable consideration are based on current pricing, executed contracts, government pricing legislation and historical data and are provided for in the period the related revenues are recorded. Rebate amounts are typically based upon the volume of purchases using contractual or statutory prices, which may vary by product and by payer. For each type of rebate, factors used in the calculation of the accrual include the identification of the products subject to the rebate, the applicable price terms and the estimated lag time between sale and payment of the rebate, which can be significant. Sales incentives to customers are insignificant. In addition to revenue from contracts with customers, the company also recognizes certain collaboration revenues. See Note 6 for additional information related to the collaborations with Janssen Biotech, Inc. and Genentech, Inc. Additionally, see Note 16 for disaggregation of revenue by product and geography. Research and Development Expenses Internal research and development (R&D) costs are expensed as incurred. Clinical trial costs incurred by third parties are expensed as the contracted work is performed. Where contingent milestone payments are due to third parties under research and development collaborations, prior to regulatory approval, the payment obligations are expensed when the milestone results are achieved. Payments made to third parties subsequent to regulatory approval are capitalized as intangible assets and amortized to cost of products sold over the remaining useful life of the related product. Collaborations and Other Arrangements The company enters into collaborative agreements with third parties to develop and commercialize drug candidates. Collaborative activities may include joint research and development and commercialization of new products. AbbVie generally receives certain licensing rights under these arrangements. These collaborations often require upfront payments and may include additional milestone, research and development cost sharing, royalty or profit share payments, contingent upon the occurrence of certain future events linked to the success of the asset in development and commercialization. Upfront payments associated with collaborative arrangements during the development stage are expensed to acquired in-process research and development (IPR&D) expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings. Subsequent payments made to the partner for the achievement of milestones during the development stage are expensed to R&D expense in the consolidated statements of earnings when the milestone is achieved. Milestone payments made to the partner subsequent to regulatory approval are capitalized as intangible assets and amortized to cost of products sold over the estimated useful life of the related asset. Royalties are expensed to cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of earnings when incurred. Advertising Costs associated with advertising are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense in the consolidated statements of earnings. Advertising expenses were $1.8 billion in 2020, $1.1 billion in 2019 and $1.1 billion in 2018. Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits AbbVie records annual expenses relating to its defined benefit pension and other post-employment benefit plans based on calculations which utilize various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, rates of return on assets, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. AbbVie reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends. Actuarial gains and losses are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI), net of tax and are amortized over the remaining service attribution periods of the employees under the corridor method. Differences between the expected long-term return on plan assets and the actual annual return are amortized to net periodic benefit cost over a five-year period. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Provisions for federal, state and foreign income taxes are calculated on reported pretax earnings based on current tax laws. Deferred taxes are provided using enacted tax rates on the future tax consequences of temporary differences, which are the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and the tax benefits of carryforwards. A valuation allowance is established or maintained when, based on currently available information, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Cash and Equivalents Cash and equivalents include money market funds and time deposits with original maturities of three months or less. Investments Investments consist primarily of equity securities, held-to-maturity debt securities, marketable debt securities and time deposits. Investments in equity securities that have readily determinable fair values are recorded at fair value. Investments in equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values are recorded at cost and are remeasured to fair value based on certain observable price changes or impairment events as they occur. Held-to-maturity debt securities are recorded at cost. Gains or losses on investments are included in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of earnings. Investments in marketable debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value with any unrealized holding gains or losses, net of tax, included in AOCI on the consolidated balance sheets until realized, at which time the gains or losses are recognized in earnings. AbbVie periodically assesses its marketable debt securities for impairment and credit losses. When a decline in fair value of marketable debt security is due to credit related factors, an allowance for credit losses is recorded with a corresponding charge to other expense in the consolidated statements of earnings. When AbbVie determines that a non-credit related impairment has occurred, the amortized cost basis of the investment, net of allowance for credit losses, is written down with a charge to other expense, net in the consolidated statements of earnings and an available-for-sale investment's unrealized loss is reclassified from AOCI to other expense, net in the consolidated statements of earnings. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are computed using the first-in, first-out method adjusted for any impairments and credit losses that were recorded in net earnings. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are stated at amortized cost less allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses reflects the best estimate of future losses over the contractual life of outstanding accounts receivable and is determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts, other currently available information including customer financial condition, and both current and forecasted economic conditions. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market. Cost includes material and conversion costs. Inventories consisted of the following: as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Finished goods $ 1,318 $ 485 Work-in-process 1,201 942 Raw materials 791 386 Inventories $ 3,310 $ 1,813 Property and Equipment as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Land $ 288 $ 72 Buildings 2,555 1,613 Equipment 6,976 6,012 Construction in progress 1,040 491 Property and equipment, gross 10,859 8,188 Less accumulated depreciation (5,611) (5,226) Property and equipment, net $ 5,248 $ 2,962 Depreciation for property and equipment is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful life for buildings ranges from 10 to 50 years. Buildings include leasehold improvements which are amortized over the life of the related facility lease (including any renewal periods, if appropriate) or the asset, whichever is shorter. The estimated useful life for equipment ranges from 2 to 25 years. Equipment includes certain computer software and software development costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use and is amortized over 3 to 10 years. Depreciation expense was $666 million in 2020, $464 million in 2019 and $471 million in 2018. Leases Short-term leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. For leases commencing or modified in 2019 or later, AbbVie does not separate lease components from non-lease components. The company records lease liabilities based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. AbbVie generally uses an incremental borrowing rate to discount its lease liabilities, as the rate implicit in the lease is typically not readily determinable. Certain lease agreements include renewal options that are under the company's control. AbbVie includes optional renewal periods in the lease term only when it is reasonably certain that AbbVie will exercise its option. Variable lease payments include payments to lessors for taxes, maintenance, insurance and other operating costs as well as payments that are adjusted based on an index or rate. The company's lease agreements do not contain any significant residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. Litigation and Contingencies Loss contingency provisions are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on existing information. When a best estimate cannot be made, the minimum loss contingency amount in a probable range is recorded. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. AbbVie accrues for product liability claims on an undiscounted basis. The liabilities are evaluated quarterly and adjusted if necessary as additional information becomes available. Receivables for insurance recoveries for product liability claims, if any, are recorded as assets on an undiscounted basis when it is probable that a recovery will be realized. Business Combinations AbbVie utilizes the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. This method requires, among other things, that results of operations of acquired companies are included in AbbVie's results of operations beginning on the respective acquisition dates and that assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. Any excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over the fair values of the net assets acquired is recognized as goodwill. Contingent consideration liabilities are recognized at the estimated fair value on the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities are recognized in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of earnings. The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in certain cases may be subject to revision based on the final determination of fair value during a period of time not to exceed 12 months from the acquisition date. Legal costs, due diligence costs, business valuation costs and all other business acquisition costs are expensed when incurred. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recorded at fair value using a discounted cash flow model. The discounted cash flow model requires assumptions about the timing and amount of future net cash flows, risk, the cost of capital and terminal values of market participants. Definite-lived intangibles are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the estimated pattern of economic benefit. AbbVie reviews the recoverability of definite-lived intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. AbbVie first compares the projected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the asset to its carrying value. If the undiscounted cash flows of an intangible asset are less than the carrying value, the intangible asset is written down to its fair value. Where cash flows cannot be identified for an individual asset, the review is applied at the lowest level for which cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Goodwill and indefinite-lived assets are not amortized, but are subject to an impairment review annually and more frequently when indicators of impairment exist. An impairment of goodwill could occur if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeded the fair value of that reporting unit. An impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets would occur if the fair value of the intangible asset is less than the carrying value. The company tests its goodwill for impairment by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than its carrying amount. If the company concludes it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative impairment test is performed. AbbVie tests indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than its carrying amount. If the company concludes it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative impairment test is performed. For its quantitative impairment tests, the company uses an estimated future cash flow approach that requires significant judgment with respect to future volume, revenue and expense growth rates, changes in working capital use, the selection of an appropriate discount rate, asset groupings and other assumptions and estimates. The estimates and assumptions used are consistent with the company's business plans and a market participant's views. The use of alternative estimates and assumptions could increase or decrease the estimated fair value of the assets and potentially result in different impacts to the company's results of operations. Actual results may differ from the company's estimates. Acquired In-Process Research and Development In an asset acquisition, the initial costs of rights to IPR&D projects acquired are expensed as IPR&D in the consolidated statements of earnings unless the project has an alternative future use. These costs include initial payments incurred prior to regulatory approval in connection with research and development collaboration agreements that provide rights to develop, manufacture, market and/or sell pharmaceutical products. In a business combination, the fair value of IPR&D projects acquired are capitalized and accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets until the underlying project receives regulatory approval, at which point the intangible asset will be accounted for as a definite-lived intangible asset, or discontinuation, at which point the intangible asset will be written off. R&D costs incurred after the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Foreign Currency Translation Foreign subsidiary earnings are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates. The net assets of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates. The U.S. dollar effects that arise from translating the net assets of these subsidiaries at changing rates are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The net assets of subsidiaries in highly inflationary economies are remeasured as if the functional currency were the reporting currency. The remeasurement is recognized in net foreign exchange loss in the consolidated statements of earnings. Derivatives All derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets and are classified as current or long-term based on the scheduled maturity of the instrument. For derivatives formally designated as hedges, the company assesses at inception and quarterly thereafter whether the hedging derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. The changes in fair value of a derivative designated as a fair value hedge and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings immediately. The effective portions of changes in the fair value of a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge are reported in AOCI and are subsequently recognized in earnings consistent with the underlying hedged item. If it is determined that a derivative is no longer highly effective as a hedge, the company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively. If a hedged forecasted transaction becomes probable of not occurring, any gains or losses are reclassified from AOCI to earnings. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges are adjusted to fair value through current earnings. The company also uses derivative instruments or foreign currency denominated debt to hedge its net investments in certain foreign subsidiaries and affiliates. Realized and unrealized gains and losses from these hedges are included in AOCI. Derivative cash flows, with the exception of net investment hedges, are principally classified in the operating section of the consolidated statements of cash flows, consistent with the underlying hedged item. Cash flows related to net investment hedges are classified in the investing section of the consolidated statements of cash flows. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements ASU No. 2016-13 In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) . The standard changes how credit losses are measured for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other financial instruments, the standard requires the use of a new forward-looking "expected credit loss" model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, the standard now requires allowances to be recorded instead of reducing the amortized cost of the investment. AbbVie adopted the standard in the first quarter of 2020. Upon adoption of the standard, accounts receivable are stated at amortized cost less allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses reflects the best estimate of future losses over the contractual life of outstanding accounts receivable and is determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts, other currently available information including customer financial condition, and both current and forecasted economic conditions. The adoption did not have a material impact on the company's consolidated financial statements. The allowance for credit losses was $262 million at December 31, 2020. There were no significant changes in credit loss risk factors that impacted the company's recorded allowance during 2020. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted ASU No. 2019-12 In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) . The standard includes simplifications related to accounting for income taxes including removing certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The standard also clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. The standard will be effective for AbbVie starting with the first quarter of 2021. AbbVie has completed its assessment of the new standard and concluded that the adoption will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Supplemental Financial Informat

Supplemental Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Supplemental Financial Information
Supplemental Financial Information	Supplemental Financial Information Interest Expense, Net years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Interest expense $ 2,454 $ 1,784 $ 1,348 Interest income (174) (275) (204) Interest expense, net $ 2,280 $ 1,509 $ 1,144 Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Sales rebates $ 7,188 $ 4,484 Dividends payable 2,335 1,771 Accounts payable 2,276 1,452 Salaries, wages and commissions 1,669 830 Royalty and license arrangements 483 324 Other 6,208 2,971 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 20,159 $ 11,832 Other Long-Term Liabilities as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Contingent consideration liabilities $ 12,289 $ 7,201 Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits 5,680 2,772 Income taxes payable 3,847 3,453 Pension and other post-employment benefits 3,413 2,949 Other 2,378 1,222 Other long-term liabilities $ 27,607 $ 17,597

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share AbbVie grants certain restricted stock units (RSUs) that are considered to be participating securities. Due to the presence of participating securities, AbbVie calculates earnings per share (EPS) using the more dilutive of the treasury stock or the two-class method. For all periods presented, the two-class method was more dilutive. The following table summarizes the impact of the two-class method: Years ended December 31, (in millions, except per share data) 2020 2019 2018 Basic EPS Net earnings attributable to AbbVie Inc. $ 4,616 $ 7,882 $ 5,687 Earnings allocated to participating securities 60 40 30 Earnings available to common shareholders $ 4,556 $ 7,842 $ 5,657 Weighted average basic shares of common stock outstanding 1,667 1,481 1,541 Basic earnings per share attributable to AbbVie Inc. $ 2.73 $ 5.30 $ 3.67 Diluted EPS Net earnings attributable to AbbVie Inc. $ 4,616 $ 7,882 $ 5,687 Earnings allocated to participating securities 60 40 30 Earnings available to common shareholders $ 4,556 $ 7,842 $ 5,657 Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 1,667 1,481 1,541 Effect of dilutive securities 6 3 5 Weighted average diluted shares of common stock outstanding 1,673 1,484 1,546 Diluted earnings per share attributable to AbbVie Inc. $ 2.72 $ 5.28 $ 3.66 Certain shares issuable under stock-based compensation plans were excluded from the computation of EPS because the effect would have been antidilutive. The number of common shares excluded was insignificant for all periods presented.

Licensing, Acquisitions, and Ot

Licensing, Acquisitions, and Other Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Licensing, Acquisitions, and Other Arrangements
Licensing, Acquisitions, and Other Arrangements	Licensing, Acquisitions and Other Arrangements Acquisition of Allergan On May 8, 2020, AbbVie completed its previously announced acquisition of all outstanding equity interests in Allergan in a cash and stock transaction. Allergan is a global pharmaceutical leader focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing branded pharmaceutical, device, biologic, surgical and regenerative medicine products for patients around the world. The combination creates a diverse entity with leadership positions across immunology, hematologic oncology, aesthetics, neuroscience, eye care and women's health. AbbVie's existing product portfolio and pipeline is enhanced with numerous Allergan assets and Allergan's product portfolio benefits from AbbVie's commercial strength, expertise and international infrastructure. Under the terms of the acquisition, each ordinary share of Allergan common stock was converted into the right to receive (i) $120.30 in cash and (ii) 0.8660 of a share of AbbVie common stock. Total consideration for the acquisition of Allergan is summarized as follows: (in millions) Cash consideration paid to Allergan shareholders (a) $ 39,675 Fair value of AbbVie common stock issued to Allergan shareholders (b) 23,979 Fair value of AbbVie equity awards issued to Allergan equity award holders (c) 430 Total consideration $ 64,084 (a) Represents cash consideration transferred of $120.30 per outstanding Allergan ordinary share based on 330 million Allergan ordinary shares outstanding at closing. (b) Represents the acquisition date fair value of 286 million shares of AbbVie common stock issued to Allergan shareholders based on the exchange ratio of 0.8660 AbbVie shares for each outstanding Allergan ordinary share at the May 8, 2020 closing price of $83.96 per share. (c) Represents the pre-acquisition service portion of the fair value of 11 million AbbVie stock options and 8 million RSUs issued to Allergan equity award holders. The acquisition of Allergan has been accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. The acquisition method requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed has not yet been finalized as of December 31, 2020. As a result, AbbVie recorded preliminary estimates for the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Subsequent to the acquisition date, the company made certain measurement period adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocation, including: (i) an increase to developed product rights intangible assets of $9.1 billion; (ii) an increase to IPR&D intangible assets of $710 million; (iii) an increase to property and equipment of $215 million; (iv) other individually insignificant adjustments for a net increase to identifiable net assets of $73 million; and (v) a corresponding decrease to goodwill of $10.0 billion. The measurement period adjustments primarily resulted from revised future cash flow estimates for certain intangible assets and completing valuations of property and equipment. These measurement period adjustments have been reflected in the table below. The company made these measurement period adjustments to reflect facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and did not result from intervening events subsequent to such date. These adjustments did not have a significant impact on AbbVie's results of operations. Finalization of the valuation during the measurement period could result in a change in the amounts recorded for the acquisition date fair value of intangible assets, goodwill and income taxes among other items. The completion of the valuation will occur no later than one year from the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the preliminary fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date: (in millions) Assets acquired and liabilities assumed Cash and equivalents $ 1,537 Short-term investments 1,421 Accounts receivable 2,374 Inventories 2,340 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,982 Investments 137 Property and equipment 2,127 Intangible assets Developed product rights 67,330 In-process research and development 1,750 Other noncurrent assets 1,395 Short-term borrowings (60) Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations (1,899) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (5,852) Long-term debt and finance lease obligations (18,937) Deferred income taxes (3,792) Other long-term liabilities (4,765) Total identifiable net assets 47,088 Goodwill 16,996 Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 64,084 The fair value step-up adjustment to inventories of $1.2 billion is being amortized to cost of products sold when the inventory is sold to customers, which is expected to be within approximately one year from the acquisition date. Intangible assets relate to $67.3 billion of developed product rights and $1.8 billion of IPR&D. The acquired definite-lived intangible assets are being amortized over a weighted-average estimated useful life of approximately twelve years using the estimated pattern of economic benefit. The estimated fair values of identifiable intangible assets were determined using the "income approach" which is a valuation technique that provides an estimate of the fair value of an asset based on market participant expectations of the cash flows an asset would generate over its remaining useful life. Some of the more significant assumptions inherent in the development of these asset valuations include the estimated net cash flows for each year for each asset or product, the appropriate discount rate necessary to measure the risk inherent in each future cash flow stream, the life cycle of each asset, the potential regulatory and commercial success risk, competitive trends impacting the asset and each cash flow stream, as well as other factors. The fair value of long-term debt was determined by quoted market prices as of the acquisition date and the total purchase price adjustment of $1.3 billion is being amortized as a reduction to interest expense, net over the lives of the related debt. Goodwill was calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits arising from the other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Specifically, the goodwill recognized from the acquisition of Allergan represents the value of additional growth platforms and an expanded revenue base as well as anticipated operational synergies and cost savings from the creation of a single combined global organization. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. Following the acquisition date, the operating results of Allergan have been included in the consolidated financial statements. For the period from the acquisition date through December 31, 2020, net revenues attributable to Allergan were $10.3 billion and operating losses attributable to Allergan were $1.1 billion, inclusive of $4.0 billion of intangible asset amortization and $1.2 billion of inventory fair value step-up amortization. Acquisition-related expenses, which were comprised primarily of regulatory, financial advisory and legal fees, totaled $781 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 and $103 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 which were included in SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings. Pro Forma Financial Information The following table presents the unaudited pro forma combined results of AbbVie and Allergan for 2020 and 2019 as if the acquisition of Allergan had occurred on January 1, 2019: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Net revenues $ 50,521 $ 49,028 Net earnings (loss) 6,746 (38) The unaudited pro forma combined financial information was prepared using the acquisition method of accounting and was based on the historical financial information of AbbVie and Allergan. In order to reflect the occurrence of the acquisition on January 1, 2019 as required, the unaudited pro forma financial information includes adjustments to reflect incremental amortization expense to be incurred based on the current preliminary fair values of the identifiable intangible assets acquired; the incremental cost of products sold related to the fair value adjustments associated with acquisition date inventory; the additional interest expense associated with the issuance of debt to finance the acquisition; and the reclassification of acquisition-related costs incurred during the year ended December 31, 2020 to the year ended December 31, 2019. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of what the consolidated results of operations would have been had the acquisition been completed on January 1, 2019. In addition, the unaudited pro forma financial information is not a projection of future results of operations of the combined company nor does it reflect the expected realization of any synergies or cost savings associated with the acquisition. Other Licensing & Acquisitions Activity Cash outflows related to other acquisitions and investments totaled $1.4 billion in 2020, $1.1 billion in 2019 and $736 million in 2018. AbbVie recorded acquired IPR&D charges of $1.2 billion in 2020, $385 million in 2019 and $424 million in 2018. Significant arrangements impacting 2020, 2019 and 2018, some of which require contingent milestone payments, are summarized below. Luminera In October 2020, AbbVie entered into an agreement with Luminera, a privately held aesthetics company based in Israel, to acquire Luminera's full dermal filler portfolio and R&D pipeline including HArmonyCa, a dermal filler intended for facial soft tissue augmentation. The aggregate accounting purchase price of $186 million was comprised of a $122 million upfront cash payment and $64 million for the acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration liabilities, for which AbbVie may owe up to $90 million in future payments upon achievement of certain commercial milestones. HArmonyCa is currently commercially available in Israel and Brazil and AbbVie will continue to develop this product for its international and U.S. markets. The agreement was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. As of the acquisition date, AbbVie acquired $127 million of intangible assets for in-process research and development and $33 million of intangible assets for developed product rights. Other assets and liabilities assumed were insignificant. The acquisition resulted in the recognition of $12 million of goodwill which is not deductible for tax purposes. I-Mab Biopharma In September 2020, AbbVie and I-Mab Biopharma (I-Mab) entered into a collaboration agreement for the development and commercialization of lemzoparlimab, an anti-CD47 monoclonal antibody internally discovered and developed by I-Mab for the treatment of multiple cancers. Both companies will collaborate to design and conduct further global clinical trials to evaluate lemzoparlimab. The collaboration provides AbbVie an exclusive global license, excluding greater China, to develop and commercialize lemzoparlimab. The companies will share manufacturing responsibilities with AbbVie being the primary manufacturer for global supply. The agreement also allows for potential collaboration on future CD47-related therapeutic agents, subject to further licenses to explore each other's related programs in their respective territories. The terms of the arrangement include an initial upfront payment of $180 million to exclusively license lemzoparlimab along with a milestone payment of $20 million based on the Phase I results, for a total of $200 million, which was recorded to IPR&D in the consolidated statements of earnings in the fourth quarter of 2020 after regulatory approval of the transaction. In addition, I-Mab will be eligible to receive up to $1.7 billion upon the achievement of certain clinical development, regulatory and commercial milestones, and AbbVie will pay tiered royalties from low-to-mid teen percentages on global net revenues outside of greater China. Genmab A/S In June 2020, AbbVie and Genmab A/S (Genmab) entered into a collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialize three of Genmab's early-stage investigational bispecific antibody therapeutics and entered into a discovery research collaboration for future differentiated antibody therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. Under the terms of the agreement, Genmab granted to AbbVie an exclusive license to its epcoritamab (DuoBody-CD3xCD20), DuoHexaBody-CD37 and DuoBody-CD3x5T4 programs. For epcoritamab, the companies will share commercial responsibilities in the U.S. and Japan, with AbbVie responsible for further global commercialization. Genmab will record net revenues in the U.S. and Japan, and the parties will share equally in pre-tax profits from these sales. Genmab will receive tiered royalties on remaining global sales. For the discovery research partnership, Genmab will conduct Phase 1 studies for these programs and AbbVie retains the right to opt-in to program development. During 2020, AbbVie made an upfront payment of $750 million, which was recorded to IPR&D in the consolidated statements of earnings. AbbVie could make additional payments of up to $3.2 billion upon the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones for all programs. Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. In October 2019, AbbVie and Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Reata) entered into an amended and restated license agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Reata reacquired exclusive development, manufacturing and commercialization rights concerning its proprietary Nrf2 activator product platform originally licensed to AbbVie for territories outside of the United States with respect to bardoxolone methyl and worldwide with respect to omaveloxolone and other next-generation Nrf2 activators. As consideration for the rights reacquired by Reata, AbbVie received a total of $250 million as of December 31, 2020 and will receive $80 million in cash in 2021. Total consideration of $330 million was recognized in other operating (income) expense in the consolidated statements of earnings in 2019. In addition, AbbVie will receive low single-digit, tiered royalties from worldwide sales of omaveloxolone and certain next-generation Nrf2 activators. Calico Life Sciences LLC In June 2018, AbbVie and Calico Life Sciences LLC (Calico) entered into an extension of a collaboration to discover, develop and bring to market new therapies for patients with age-related diseases, including neurodegeneration and cancer. Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie and Calico will each contribute an additional $500 million to the collaboration and the term is extended for an additional three years. Calico will be responsible for research and early development until 2022 and will advance collaboration projects through Phase 2a through 2027. Following completion of Phase 2a, AbbVie will have the option to exclusively license collaboration compounds. AbbVie will support Calico in its early research and development efforts and, upon exercise, would be responsible for late-stage development and commercial activities. Collaboration costs and profits will be shared equally by both parties post option exercise. During 2018, AbbVie recorded $500 million in other operating (income) expense in the consolidated statements of earnings related to its commitments under the agreement. Other Arrangements In addition to the significant arrangements described above, AbbVie entered into several other arrangements resulting in charges to IPR&D of $248 million in 2020, $385 million in 2019 and $424 million in 2018. In connection with the other

Collaborations

Collaborations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Collaborative Arrangements [Abstract]
Collaborations	Collaborations The company has ongoing transactions with other entities through collaboration agreements. The following represent the significant collaboration agreements impacting 2020, 2019 and 2018. Collaboration with Janssen Biotech, Inc. In December 2011, Pharmacyclics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AbbVie, entered into a worldwide collaboration and license agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc. and its affiliates (Janssen), one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical companies of Johnson & Johnson, for the joint development and commercialization of Imbruvica, a novel, orally active, selective covalent inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) and certain compounds structurally related to Imbruvica, for oncology and other indications, excluding all immune and inflammatory mediated diseases or conditions and all psychiatric or psychological diseases or conditions, in the United States and outside the United States. The collaboration provides Janssen with an exclusive license to commercialize Imbruvica outside of the United States and co-exclusively with AbbVie in the United States. Both parties are responsible for the development, manufacturing and marketing of any products generated as a result of the collaboration. The collaboration has no set duration or specific expiration date and provides for potential future development, regulatory and approval milestone payments of up to $200 million to AbbVie. The collaboration also includes a cost sharing arrangement for associated collaboration activities. Except in certain cases, Janssen is responsible for approximately 60% of collaboration development costs and AbbVie is responsible for the remaining 40% of collaboration development costs. In the United States, both parties have co-exclusive rights to commercialize the products; however, AbbVie is the principal in the end-customer product sales. AbbVie and Janssen share pre-tax profits and losses equally from the commercialization of products. Sales of Imbruvica are included in AbbVie's net revenues. Janssen's share of profits is included in AbbVie's cost of products sold. Other costs incurred under the collaboration are reported in their respective expense line items, net of Janssen's share. Outside the United States, Janssen is responsible for and has exclusive rights to commercialize Imbruvica. AbbVie and Janssen share pre-tax profits and losses equally from the commercialization of products. AbbVie's share of profits is included in AbbVie's net revenues. Other costs incurred under the collaboration are reported in their respective expense line items, net of Janssen's share. The following table shows the profit and cost sharing relationship between Janssen and AbbVie: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 United States - Janssen's share of profits (included in cost of products sold) $ 2,012 $ 1,803 $ 1,372 International - AbbVie's share of profits (included in net revenues) 1,009 844 622 Global - AbbVie's share of other costs (included in respective line items) 295 321 326 AbbVie’s receivable from Janssen, included in accounts receivable, net, was $283 million at December 31, 2020 and $235 million at December 31, 2019. AbbVie’s payable to Janssen, included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, was $562 million at December 31, 2020 and $455 million at December 31, 2019. Collaboration with Genentech, Inc. AbbVie and Genentech, Inc. (Genentech), a member of the Roche Group, are parties to a collaboration and license agreement executed in 2007 to jointly research, develop and commercialize human therapeutic products containing BCL-2 inhibitors and certain other compound inhibitors which includes Venclexta, a BCL-2 inhibitor used to treat certain hematological malignancies. AbbVie shares equally with Genentech all pre-tax profits and losses from the development and commercialization of Venclexta in the United States. AbbVie pays royalties on Venclexta net revenues outside the United States. AbbVie manufactures and distributes Venclexta globally and is the principal in the end-customer product sales. Sales of Venclexta are included in AbbVie's net revenues. Genentech's share of United States profits is included in AbbVie's cost of products sold. AbbVie records sales and marketing costs associated with the United States collaboration as part of SG&A expenses and global development costs as part of R&D expenses, net of Genentech’s share. Royalties paid for Venclexta revenues outside the United States are also included in AbbVie’s cost of products sold. The following table shows the profit and cost sharing relationship between Genentech and AbbVie: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Genentech's share of profits, including royalties (included in cost of products sold) $ 533 $ 320 $ 141 AbbVie's share of sales and marketing costs from U.S. collaboration (included in SG&A) 46 41 27 AbbVie's share of development costs (included in R&D) 129 128 160

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill: (in millions) Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 15,663 Foreign currency translation adjustments (59) Balance as of December 31, 2019 15,604 Additions (a) 17,008 Foreign currency translation adjustments 512 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 33,124 (a) Goodwill additions related to the acquisition of Allergan in the second quarter of 2020 and the acquisition of Luminera in the fourth quarter of 2020 (see Note 5). The company performs its annual goodwill impairment assessment in the third quarter, or earlier if impairment indicators exist. As of December 31, 2020, there were no accumulated goodwill impairment losses. Intangible Assets, Net The following table summarizes intangible assets: 2020 2019 as of December 31 (in millions) Gross Accumulated Net Gross Accumulated Net Definite-lived intangible assets Developed product rights $ 87,707 $ (11,620) $ 76,087 $ 19,547 $ (6,405) $ 13,142 License agreements 7,828 (2,916) 4,912 7,798 (2,291) 5,507 Total definite-lived intangible assets 95,535 (14,536) 80,999 27,345 (8,696) 18,649 Indefinite-lived research and development 1,877 — 1,877 — — — Total intangible assets, net $ 97,412 $ (14,536) $ 82,876 $ 27,345 $ (8,696) $ 18,649 Definite-Lived Intangible Assets The increase in definite-lived intangible assets during 2020 was primarily due to the acquisition of Allergan in the second quarter of 2020. The intangible assets will be amortized using the estimated pattern of economic benefit. Refer to Note 5 for additional information regarding this acquisition. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range between 1 to 16 years with an average of 12 years for developed product rights and 11 years for license agreements. Amortization expense was $5.8 billion in 2020, $1.6 billion in 2019 and $1.3 billion in 2018 and was included in cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of earnings. The anticipated annual amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets recorded as of December 31, 2020 is as follows: (in billions) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Anticipated annual amortization expense $ 7.7 $ 7.2 $ 7.5 $ 8.0 $ 8.4 No definite-lived intangible asset impairment charges were recorded in 2020, 2019 or 2018. Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Indefinite-lived intangible assets represent acquired IPR&D associated with products that have not yet received regulatory approval. The increase in indefinite-lived research and development assets during 2020 was due to the acquisition of Allergan in the second quarter of 2020 and the acquisition of Luminera in the fourth quarter of 2020. Refer to Note 5 for additional information regarding these acquisitions. The company performs its annual impairment assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets in the third quarter, or earlier if impairment indicators exist. No indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges were recorded in 2020. In 2019, following the announcement of the decision to terminate the rovalpituzumab tesirine (Rova-T) R&D program, the company recorded an impairment charge of $1.0 billion which represented the remaining value of the IPR&D acquired as part of the 2016 Stemcentrx acquisition. This termination was subsequent to the decision to stop enrollment for the TAHOE trial, which resulted in an impairment charge of $5.1 billion in 2018. These impairment charges were recorded to R&D expense in the consolidated statements of earnings in 2019 and 2018.

Integration and Restructuring P

Integration and Restructuring Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Integration and Restructuring Plans	Integration and Restructuring Plans Allergan Integration Plan Following the closing of the Allergan acquisition, AbbVie implemented an integration plan designed to reduce costs, integrate and optimize the combined organization. To achieve these integration objectives, AbbVie expects to incur approximately $2 billion of charges through 2022. These costs will consist of severance and employee benefit costs (cash severance, non-cash severance, including accelerated equity award compensation expense, retention and other termination benefits) and other integration expenses. The following table summarizes the charges associated with the Allergan acquisition integration plan: 2020 year ended December 31 (in millions) Severance and employee benefits Other integration Cost of products sold $ 109 $ 21 Research and development 199 177 Selling, general and administrative 388 237 Total charges $ 696 $ 435 The following table summarizes the cash activity in the recorded liability associated with the integration plan: 2020 year ended December 31 (in millions) Severance and employee benefits Other integration Charges $ 594 $ 435 Payments and other adjustments (227) (415) Accrued balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 367 $ 20 Other Restructuring AbbVie continuously evaluates its operations to identify opportunities to optimize its manufacturing and R&D operations, commercial infrastructure and administrative costs and to respond to changes in its business environment. As a result, AbbVie management periodically approves individual restructuring plans to achieve these objectives. In 2020, 2019 and 2018, no such plans were individually significant. Restructuring charges recorded were $60 million in 2020, $234 million in 2019 and $70 million in 2018 and were primarily related to employee severance and contractual obligations. These charges were recorded in cost of products sold, R&D expense and SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings based on the classification of the affected employees or operations. The following table summarizes the cash activity in the restructuring reserve for 2020, 2019 and 2018: (in millions) Accrued balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 86 2018 restructuring charges 59 Payments and other adjustments (46) Accrued balance as of December 31, 2018 99 2019 restructuring charges 219 Payments and other adjustments (178) Accrued balance as of December 31, 2019 140 2020 restructuring charges 58 Payments and other adjustments (108) Accrued balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 90

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases AbbVie's lease portfolio primarily consists of real estate properties, vehicles and equipment. The following table summarizes the amounts and location of operating and finance leases on the consolidated balance sheets: as of December 31 (in millions) Balance sheet caption 2020 2019 Assets Operating Other assets $ 895 $ 344 Finance Property and equipment, net 27 23 Total lease assets $ 922 $ 367 Liabilities Operating Current Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 175 $ 109 Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities 832 251 Finance Current Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations 8 7 Noncurrent Long-term debt and finance lease obligations 21 20 Total lease liabilities $ 1,036 $ 387 The following table summarizes the lease costs recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Operating lease cost $ 192 $ 124 Short-term lease cost 59 34 Variable lease cost 60 62 Total lease cost $ 311 $ 220 Sublease income and finance lease costs were insignificant in 2020 and 2019. Lease expense prior to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 was $161 million in 2018. The following table presents the weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rate for operating and finance leases: December 31, December 31, Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating 8 5 Finance 3 3 Weighted-average discount rate Operating 2.5 % 3.9 % Finance 1.4 % 3.9 % The following table presents supplementary cash flow information regarding the company's leases: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 185 $ 125 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 692 26 Finance lease cash flows were insignificant in 2020 and 2019. Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities included $453 million of right-of-use assets acquired in the Allergan acquisition. The following table summarizes the future maturities of AbbVie's operating and finance lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020: (in millions) Operating Finance Total (a) 2021 $ 202 $ 27 $ 229 2022 178 3 181 2023 140 2 142 2024 111 1 112 2025 96 — 96 Thereafter 394 — 394 Total lease payments 1,121 33 1,154 Less: Interest 114 4 118 Present value of lease liabilities $ 1,007 $ 29 $ 1,036 (a) Lease payments recognized as part of lease liabilities for optional renewal periods are insignificant.

Debt, Credit Facilities, and Co

Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies
Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies	Debt, Credit Facilities and Commitments and Contingencies The following table summarizes long-term debt: as of December 31 (dollars in millions) Effective interest rate in 2020 (a) 2020 Effective interest rate in 2019 (a) 2019 Senior notes issued in 2012 2.90% notes due 2022 2.97 % $ 3,100 2.97 % $ 3,100 4.40% notes due 2042 4.46 % 2,600 4.46 % 2,600 Senior notes issued in 2015 2.50% notes due 2020 2.65 % — 2.65 % 3,750 3.20% notes due 2022 3.28 % 1,000 3.28 % 1,000 3.60% notes due 2025 3.66 % 3,750 3.66 % 3,750 4.50% notes due 2035 4.58 % 2,500 4.58 % 2,500 4.70% notes due 2045 4.73 % 2,700 4.73 % 2,700 Senior notes issued in 2016 2.30% notes due 2021 2.40 % 1,800 2.40 % 1,800 2.85% notes due 2023 2.91 % 1,000 2.91 % 1,000 3.20% notes due 2026 3.28 % 2,000 3.28 % 2,000 4.30% notes due 2036 4.37 % 1,000 4.37 % 1,000 4.45% notes due 2046 4.50 % 2,000 4.50 % 2,000 Senior Euro notes issued in 2016 1.375% notes due 2024 (€1,450 principal) 1.46 % 1,783 1.46 % 1,625 2.125% notes due 2028 (€750 principal) 2.18 % 922 2.18 % 840 Senior notes issued in 2018 3.375% notes due 2021 3.51 % 1,250 3.51 % 1,250 3.75% notes due 2023 3.84 % 1,250 3.84 % 1,250 4.25% notes due 2028 4.38 % 1,750 4.38 % 1,750 4.875% notes due 2048 4.94 % 1,750 4.94 % 1,750 Senior Euro notes issued in 2019 0.75% notes due 2027 (€750 principal) 0.86 % 922 0.86 % 840 1.25% notes due 2031 (€650 principal) 1.30 % 799 1.30 % 728 Senior notes issued in 2019 Floating rate notes due May 2021 1.33 % 750 2.08 % 750 Floating rate notes due November 2021 1.42 % 750 2.12 % 750 Floating rate notes due 2022 1.62 % 750 2.29 % 750 2.15% notes due 2021 2.23 % 1,750 2.23 % 1,750 2.30% notes due 2022 2.42 % 3,000 2.42 % 3,000 2.60% notes due 2024 2.69 % 3,750 2.69 % 3,750 2.95% notes due 2026 3.02 % 4,000 3.02 % 4,000 3.20% notes due 2029 3.25 % 5,500 3.25 % 5,500 4.05% notes due 2039 4.11 % 4,000 4.11 % 4,000 4.25% notes due 2049 4.29 % 5,750 4.29 % 5,750 Term loan facilities Floating rate notes due 2023 1.29 % 1,000 — % — Floating rate notes due 2025 1.42 % 2,000 — % — Senior notes acquired in 2020 5.000% notes due 2021 1.59 % 1,200 — % — 3.450% notes due 2022 1.89 % 2,878 — % — 3.250% notes due 2022 1.85 % 1,700 — % — 2.800% notes due 2023 2.08 % 350 — % — 3.850% notes due 2024 1.98 % 1,032 — % — 3.800% notes due 2025 2.00 % 3,021 — % — 4.550% notes due 2035 3.43 % 1,789 — % — 4.625% notes due 2042 3.93 % 457 — % — 4.850% notes due 2044 4.02 % 1,074 — % — 4.750% notes due 2045 4.13 % 881 — % — as of December 31 (dollars in millions) Effective interest rate in 2020 (a) 2020 Effective interest rate in 2019 (a) 2019 Senior Euro notes acquired in 2020 0.500% notes due 2021 (€750 principal) 0.68 % 922 — % — 1.500% notes due 2023 (€500 principal) 0.48 % 615 — % — 1.250% notes due 2024 (€700 principal) 0.64 % 861 — % — 2.625% notes due 2028 (€500 principal) 1.18 % 615 — % — 2.125% notes due 2029 (€550 principal) 1.18 % 677 — % — Other 29 27 Fair value hedges 278 (48) Unamortized bond discounts (146) (161) Unamortized deferred financing costs (287) (323) Unamortized bond premiums (b) 1,200 — Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations 86,022 66,728 Current portion 8,468 3,753 Noncurrent portion $ 77,554 $ 62,975 (a) Excludes the effect of any related interest rate swaps. (b) Represents unamortized purchase price adjustments of Allergan debt. Allergan-Related Financing In connection with the acquisition of Allergan, in May 2020, the company borrowed $3.0 billion under a $6.0 billion term loan credit agreement, of which $1.0 billion was outstanding under a floating rate three-year term loan tranche and $2.0 billion outstanding under a floating rate five-year term loan tranche as of December 31, 2020. Subsequent to these borrowings, AbbVie terminated the unused commitments of the lenders under the term loan. In May 2020, AbbVie completed its previously announced offers to exchange any and all outstanding notes of certain series issued by Allergan for new notes to be issued by AbbVie and cash. Following the settlement of the exchange offers, AbbVie issued $14.0 billion and €3.1 billion of new notes in exchange for the Allergan notes tendered in the exchange offers. The aggregate principal amount of Allergan notes that remained outstanding following the settlement of the exchange offers was approximately $1.5 billion and €635 million. The exchange transaction was accounted for as a modification of the assumed debt instruments. In September 2020, the company repaid $650 million aggregate principal amount of 3.375% Allergan exchange notes at maturity. In November 2020, the company repaid €700 million aggregate principal amount of floating rate Allergan exchange notes at maturity and $450 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% Allergan exchange notes due February 2021 three months prior to maturity. In November 2019, the company issued $30.0 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes. These senior notes rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the company. AbbVie may redeem the fixed-rate senior notes prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the greater of the principal amount or the sum of present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the fixed-rate senior notes to be redeemed plus a make-whole premium. With exception of the fixed-rate notes due 2021 and 2022, AbbVie may also redeem the fixed-rate senior notes at par between one Other Long-Term Debt In May 2020, the company repaid $3.8 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.50% senior notes at maturity. In September 2019, the company issued €1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior Euro notes. These senior notes rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the company. AbbVie may redeem the senior notes prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the senior notes redeemed plus a make-whole premium and may redeem the senior notes at par between one connection with the offering, debt issuance costs incurred totaled $9 million and debt discounts totaled $5 million and are being amortized over the respective terms of the notes to interest expense, net in the consolidated statements of earnings. In October 2019, the company used the proceeds to redeem €1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of 0.375% senior Euro notes that were due to mature in November 2019. In May 2018, the company also repaid $3.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.80% senior notes at maturity. In September 2018, the company issued $6.0 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes. These senior notes rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the company. AbbVie may redeem the senior notes prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the senior notes redeemed plus a make-whole premium, and except for the 3.375% notes due 2021, AbbVie may redeem the senior notes at par between one AbbVie has outstanding €2.2 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior Euro notes which were issued in 2016. AbbVie may redeem the senior notes prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the senior notes redeemed plus a make-whole premium and AbbVie may redeem the senior notes at par between one AbbVie has outstanding $7.8 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes which were issued in 2016 and $10.0 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes which were issued in 2015. AbbVie may redeem the senior notes, at any time, prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the senior notes redeemed plus a make-whole premium and AbbVie may redeem the senior notes at par between one AbbVie has outstanding $5.7 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes which were issued in 2012. AbbVie may redeem all of the senior notes of each series, at any time, or some of the senior notes of each series, from time to time, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the senior notes redeemed plus a make-whole premium. At December 31, 2020, the company was in compliance with its senior note covenants and term loan covenants. Short-Term Borrowings There were no commercial paper borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The weighted-average interest rate on commercial paper borrowings was 1.8% in 2020, 2.5% in 2019 and 2.0% in 2018. In August 2019, AbbVie entered into an amended and restated $4.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility that matures in August 2024. This amended facility enables the company to borrow funds on an unsecured basis at variable interest rates and contains various covenants, all of which the company was in compliance with as of December 31, 2020. Commitment fees under AbbVie's revolving credit facilities were insignificant in 2020, 2019 and 2018. No amounts were outstanding under the company's credit facilities as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. In March 2019, AbbVie repaid a $3.0 billion 364-day term loan credit agreement that was drawn on in June 2018 and was scheduled to mature in June 2019. Maturities of Long-Term Debt The following table summarizes AbbVie's debt maturities as of December 31, 2020: as of and for the years ending December 31 (in millions) 2021 $ 8,422 2022 12,428 2023 4,215 2024 7,426 2025 8,771 Thereafter 43,686 Total obligations and commitments 84,948 Fair value hedges, unamortized bond premiums and discounts, deferred financing costs and finance 1,074 Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations $ 86,022 Contingencies and Guarantees In connection with the separation, AbbVie has indemnified Abbott for all liabilities resulting from the operation of AbbVie's business other than income tax liabilities with respect to periods prior to the distribution date and other liabilities as agreed to by AbbVie and Abbott. AbbVie has no material exposures to off-balance sheet arrangements and no special-purpose entities. In the ordinary course of business, AbbVie has periodically entered into third-party agreements, such as the assignment of product rights, which have resulted in AbbVie becoming secondarily liable for obligations for which AbbVie had previously been primarily liable. Based upon past experience, the likelihood of payments under these agreements is remote.

Financial Instruments and Fair

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures	Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures Risk Management Policy The company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate risks related to its business operations. AbbVie's hedging policy attempts to manage these risks to an acceptable level based on the company's judgment of the appropriate trade-off between risk, opportunity and costs. The company uses derivative and nonderivative instruments to reduce its exposure to foreign currency exchange rates. AbbVie also periodically enters into interest rate swaps in which the company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional amount. Derivative instruments are not used for trading purposes or to manage exposure to changes in interest rates for investment securities, and none of the company's outstanding derivative instruments contain credit risk related contingent features; collateral is generally not required. Financial Instruments Various AbbVie foreign subsidiaries enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage exposures to changes in foreign exchange rates for anticipated intercompany transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the local entity. These contracts, with notional amounts totaling $1.5 billion at December 31, 2020 and $1.0 billion at December 31, 2019, are designated as cash flow hedges and are recorded at fair value. The durations of these forward exchange contracts were generally less than 18 months. Accumulated gains and losses as of December 31, 2020 will be reclassified from AOCI and included in cost of products sold at the time the products are sold, generally not exceeding six months from the date of settlement. In the third quarter of 2019, the company entered into treasury rate lock agreements with notional amounts totaling $10.0 billion to hedge exposure to variability in future cash flows resulting from changes in interest rates related to the issuance of long-term debt in connection with the proposed acquisition of Allergan. The treasury rate lock agreements were designated as cash flow hedges and recorded at fair value. The agreements were net settled upon issuance of the senior notes in November 2019 resulting in a gain of $383 million recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). This gain is reclassified to interest expense, net over the lives of the related debt. In the fourth quarter of 2019, the company entered into interest rate swap contracts with notional amounts totaling $2.3 billion at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The effect of the hedge contracts is to change a floating-rate interest obligation to a fixed rate for that portion of the floating-rate debt. The contracts were designated as cash flow hedges and are recorded at fair value. Realized and unrealized gains or losses are included in AOCI and are reclassified to interest expense, net over the lives of the floating-rate debt. The company also enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage its exposure to foreign currency denominated trade payables and receivables and intercompany loans. These contracts are not designated as hedges and are recorded at fair value. Resulting gains or losses are reflected in net foreign exchange loss in the consolidated statements of earnings and are generally offset by losses or gains on the foreign currency exposure being managed. These contracts had notional amounts totaling $8.6 billion at December 31, 2020 and $7.1 billion at December 31, 2019. The company also uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts or foreign currency denominated debt to hedge its net investments in certain foreign subsidiaries and affiliates. The company had an aggregate principal amount of senior Euro notes designated as net investment hedges of €6.6 billion at December 31, 2020 and €3.6 billion at December 31, 2019. In addition, the company had foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as net investment hedges with notional amounts totaling €971 million at December 31, 2020 and €971 million, £204 million, and CHF62 million at December 31, 2019. The company uses the spot method of assessing hedge effectiveness for derivative instruments designated as net investment hedges. Realized and unrealized gains and losses from these hedges are included in AOCI and the initial fair value of hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness is recognized in interest expense, net over the life of the hedging instrument. AbbVie is a party to interest rate swap contracts designated as fair value hedges with notional amounts totaling $4.8 billion at December 31, 2020 and $10.8 billion at December 31, 2019. The effect of the hedge contracts is to change a fixed-rate interest obligation to a floating rate for that portion of the debt. AbbVie records the contracts at fair value and adjusts the carrying amount of the fixed-rate debt by an offsetting amount. No amounts are excluded from the assessment of effectiveness for cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. The following table summarizes the amounts and location of AbbVie's derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets: Fair value - Derivatives in asset position Fair value - as of December 31 (in millions) Balance sheet caption 2020 2019 Balance sheet caption 2020 2019 Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Designated as cash flow hedges Prepaid expenses and other $ 2 $ 3 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 82 $ 14 Designated as cash flow hedges Other assets — — Other long-term liabilities 6 — Designated as net investment hedges Prepaid expenses and other — — Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 11 24 Not designated as hedges Prepaid expenses and other 49 19 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 33 18 Interest rate swap contracts Designated as cash flow hedges Prepaid expenses and other — — Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 14 — Designated as cash flow hedges Other assets — 3 Other long-term liabilities 20 — Designated as fair value hedges Prepaid expenses and other 7 — Accounts payable and accrued liabilities — 2 Designated as fair value hedges Other assets 131 28 Other long-term liabilities — 74 Total derivatives $ 189 $ 53 $ 166 $ 132 While certain derivatives are subject to netting arrangements with the company's counterparties, the company does not offset derivative assets and liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets. The following table presents the pre-tax amounts of gains (losses) from derivative instruments recognized in other comprehensive income (loss): years ended in December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Designated as cash flow hedges $ (71) $ (5) $ 175 Designated as net investment hedges (95) 33 — Interest rate swap contracts designated as cash flow hedges (53) 4 — Treasury rate lock agreements designated as cash flow hedges — 383 — Assuming market rates remain constant through contract maturities, the company expects to reclassify pre-tax losses of $93 million into cost of products sold for foreign currency cash flow hedges, pre-tax losses of $24 million into interest expense, net for interest rate swap cash flow hedges and pre-tax gains of $24 million into interest expense, net for treasury rate lock agreement cash flow hedges during the next 12 months. Related to AbbVie’s non-derivative, foreign currency denominated debt designated as net investment hedges, the company recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) pre-tax losses of $907 million in 2020, pre-tax gains of $90 million in 2019 and pre-tax gains of $178 million in 2018. The following table summarizes the pre-tax amounts and location of derivative instrument net gains (losses) recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings, including the net gains (losses) reclassified out of AOCI into net earnings. See Note 13 for the amount of net gains (losses) reclassified out of AOCI. years ended December 31 (in millions) Statement of earnings caption 2020 2019 2018 Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Designated as cash flow hedges Cost of products sold $ 23 $ 167 $ (161) Designated as net investment hedges Interest expense, net 18 27 — Not designated as hedges Net foreign exchange loss 58 (70) 83 Treasury rate lock agreements designated as cash flow hedges Interest expense, net 24 3 — Interest rate swap contracts Designated as cash flow hedges Interest expense, net (17) 1 — Designated as fair value hedges Interest expense, net 365 418 (71) Debt designated as hedged item in fair value hedges Interest expense, net (365) (418) 71 Fair Value Measures The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels: • Level 1—Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets that the company has the ability to access; • Level 2—Valuations based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in the market; and • Level 3—Valuations using significant inputs that are unobservable in the market and include the use of judgment by the company's management about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The following table summarizes the bases used to measure certain assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020: Basis of fair value measurement (in millions) Total Quoted prices in active markets for Significant other observable Significant unobservable inputs Assets Cash and equivalents $ 8,449 $ 2,758 $ 5,691 $ — Money market funds and time deposits 12 — 12 — Debt securities 50 — 50 — Equity securities 159 149 10 — Interest rate swap contracts 138 — 138 — Foreign currency contracts 51 — 51 — Total assets $ 8,859 $ 2,907 $ 5,952 $ — Liabilities Interest rate swap contracts $ 34 $ — $ 34 $ — Foreign currency contracts 132 — 132 — Contingent consideration 12,997 — — 12,997 Total liabilities $ 13,163 $ — $ 166 $ 12,997 The following table summarizes the bases used to measure certain assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019: Basis of fair value measurement (in millions) Total Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable Significant unobservable inputs Assets Cash and equivalents $ 39,924 $ 1,542 $ 38,382 $ — Debt securities 3 — 3 — Equity securities 24 24 — — Interest rate swap contracts 31 — 31 — Foreign currency contracts 22 — 22 — Total assets $ 40,004 $ 1,566 $ 38,438 $ — Liabilities Interest rate swap contracts $ 76 $ — $ 76 $ — Foreign currency contracts 56 — 56 — Contingent consideration 7,340 — — 7,340 Total liabilities $ 7,472 $ — $ 132 $ 7,340 Equity securities consist of investments for which the fair values were determined by using the published market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held, without consideration of transaction costs. The derivatives entered into by the company were valued using observable market inputs including published interest rate curves and both forward and spot prices for foreign currencies. The fair value measurements of the contingent consideration liabilities were determined based on significant unobservable inputs, including the discount rate, estimated probabilities and timing of achieving specified development, regulatory and commercial milestones and the estimated amount of future sales of the acquired products. The potential contingent consideration payments are estimated by applying a probability-weighted expected payment model for contingent milestone payments and a Monte Carlo simulation model for contingent royalty payments, which are then discounted to present value. Changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities can result from changes to one or a number of inputs, including discount rates, the probabilities of achieving the milestones, the time required to achieve the milestones and estimated future sales. Significant judgment is employed in determining the appropriateness of certain of these inputs. Changes to the inputs described above could have a material impact on the company's financial position and results of operations in any given period. The fair value of the company's contingent consideration liabilities as of December 31, 2020 was calculated using the following significant unobservable inputs: Range Weighted Average (a) Discount rate 0.1% - 2.2% 1.1% Probability of payment for unachieved milestones 56% - 92% 64% Probability of payment for royalties by indication (b) 56% - 100% 91% Projected year of payments 2021 - 2034 2027 (a) Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities. (b) Excludes early stage indications with 0% estimated probability of payment and includes approved indications with 100% probability of payment. Excluding approved indications, the estimated probability of payment ranged from 56% to 89% at December 31, 2020. There have been no transfers of assets or liabilities into or out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The following table presents the changes in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities which are measured using Level 3 inputs: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Beginning balance $ 7,340 $ 4,483 $ 4,534 Additions (a) 225 — — Change in fair value recognized in net earnings 5,753 3,091 49 Payments (321) (234) (100) Ending balance $ 12,997 $ 7,340 $ 4,483 (a) Additions during the year ended December 31, 2020 represent contingent consideration liabilities assumed in the Allergan acquisition as well as contingent consideration resulting from the Luminera acquisition. The change in fair value recognized in net earnings is recorded in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of earnings. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the company recorded a $4.7 billion increase in the Skyrizi contingent consideration liability due to higher estimated future sales driven by stronger market share uptake and favorable clinical trial results as well as lower interest rates. During the second quarter of 2019, the company recorded a $2.3 billion increase in the Skyrizi contingent consideration liability due to higher probabilities of success, higher estimated future sales and declining interest rates. The higher probabilities of success resulted from the April 2019 regulatory approvals of Skyrizi for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. During the third quarter of 2019, the company recorded a $91 million decrease in the Stemcentrx contingent consideration liability due to the termination of the Rova-T R&D program. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the company recorded a $428 million decrease in the Stemcentrx contingent consideration liability due to a reduction in probabilities of success of achieving regulatory approval. Certain financial instruments are carried at historical cost or some basis other than fair value. The book values, approximate fair values and bases used to measure the approximate fair values of certain financial instruments as of December 31, 2020 are shown in the table below: Basis of fair value measurement (in millions) Book value Approximate fair values Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Liabilities Short-term borrowings $ 34 $ 34 $ — $ 34 $ — Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges 8,461 8,542 8,249 293 — Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges 77,283 87,761 86,137 1,624 — Total liabilities $ 85,778 $ 96,337 $ 94,386 $ 1,951 $ — The book values, approximate fair values and bases used to measure the approximate fair values of certain financial instruments as of December 31, 2019 are shown in the table below: Basis of fair value measurement (in millions) Book value Approximate fair values Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Liabilities Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges $ 3,755 $ 3,760 $ 3,753 $ 7 $ — Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges 63,021 66,651 66,631 20 — Total liabilities $ 66,776 $ 70,411 $ 70,384 $ 27 $ — AbbVie also holds investments in equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values. The company records these investments at cost and remeasures them to fair value based on certain observable price changes or impairment events as they occur. The carrying amount of these investments was $102 million as of December 31, 2020 and $66 million as of December 31, 2019. No significant cumulative upward or downward adjustments have been recorded for these investments as of December 31, 2020. Concentrations of Risk Of total net accounts receivable, three U.S. wholesalers accounted for 72% as of December 31, 2020 and 68% as of December 31, 2019, and substantially all of AbbVie's net revenues in the United States were to these three wholesalers. Humira (adalimumab) is AbbVie's single largest product and accounted for approximately 43% of AbbVie's total net revenues in 2020, 58% in 2019 and 61% in 2018.

Post-Employment Benefits

Post-Employment Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Post-Employment Benefits	Post-Employment Benefits AbbVie sponsors various pension and other post-employment benefit plans, including defined benefit, defined contribution and termination indemnity plans, which cover most employees worldwide. In addition, AbbVie provides medical benefits, primarily to eligible retirees in the United States and Puerto Rico, through other post-retirement benefit plans. Net obligations for these plans have been reflected on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. The following table summarizes benefit plan information for the global AbbVie-sponsored defined benefit and other post-employment plans: Defined benefit plans Other post-employment plans as of and for the years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Projected benefit obligations Beginning of period $ 8,646 $ 6,618 $ 1,050 $ 561 Service cost 370 269 42 25 Interest cost 264 259 34 29 Employee contributions 2 2 — — Amendments — — (397) — Actuarial loss 1,105 1,703 40 451 Benefits paid (249) (206) (17) (17) Acquisition 1,409 — 43 — Other, primarily foreign currency translation adjustments 245 1 — 1 End of period 11,792 8,646 795 1,050 Fair value of plan assets Beginning of period 7,116 5,637 — — Actual return on plan assets 979 946 — — Company contributions 367 727 17 17 Employee contributions 2 2 — — Benefits paid (249) (206) (17) (17) Acquisition 1,296 — — — Other, primarily foreign currency translation adjustments 191 10 — — End of period 9,702 7,116 — — Funded status, end of period $ (2,090) $ (1,530) $ (795) $ (1,050) Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets Other assets $ 563 $ 395 $ — $ — Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (12) (8) (23) (18) Other long-term liabilities (2,641) (1,917) (772) (1,032) Net obligation $ (2,090) $ (1,530) $ (795) $ (1,050) Actuarial loss, net $ 4,163 $ 3,633 $ 482 $ 469 Prior service cost (credit) 8 10 (408) (16) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 4,171 $ 3,643 $ 74 $ 453 The projected benefit obligations (PBO) in the table above included $3.5 billion at December 31, 2020 and $2.3 billion at December 31, 2019, related to international defined benefit plans. For plans reflected in the table above, the accumulated benefit obligations (ABO) were $10.5 billion at December 31, 2020 and $7.6 billion at December 31, 2019. Information For Pension Plans With An Accumulated Benefit Obligation In Excess Of Plan Assets as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 7,527 $ 5,752 Fair value of plan assets 6,066 4,820 Information For Pension Plans With A Projected Benefit Obligation In Excess Of Plan Assets as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Projected benefit obligation $ 8,719 $ 6,820 Fair value of plan assets 6,066 4,895 The 2020 actuarial losses of $1.1 billion for qualified pension plans and $40 million for other post-employment plans were primarily driven by a decrease in the assumed discount rate from 2019. The 2019 actuarial losses of $1.7 billion for qualified pension plans and $451 million for other post-employment plans were primarily driven by a decrease in the assumed discount rate from 2018. A change to AbbVie's U.S. retiree health benefit plan was approved in 2020 and communicated to employees and retirees in October 2020. Beginning in 2022, Medicare-eligible retirees and Medicare-eligible dependents will choose health care coverage from insurance providers through a private Medicare exchange. AbbVie will continue to provide financial support to Medicare-eligible retirees. This change decreased AbbVie's post-employment benefit obligation and increased AbbVie's unrecognized prior service credit as of December 31, 2020 by $397 million. In connection with the Allergan acquisition, AbbVie assumed certain post-employment benefit obligations which were recorded at fair value. Upon acquisition in the second quarter of 2020, the excess of projected benefit obligations over the plan assets was recognized as a liability totaling $156 million. Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The following table summarizes the pre-tax losses (gains) included in other comprehensive income (loss): years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Defined benefit plans Actuarial loss $ 701 $ 1,231 $ 209 Amortization of prior service cost (2) — — Amortization of actuarial loss (227) (109) (140) Foreign exchange loss (gain) and other 56 (6) (13) Total loss $ 528 $ 1,116 $ 56 Other post-employment plans Actuarial loss (gain) $ 40 $ 451 $ (287) Prior service cost (credit) (397) — — Amortization of prior service credit 4 — — Amortization of actuarial loss (26) (1) (1) Total loss (gain) $ (379) $ 450 $ (288) Net Periodic Benefit Cost years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Defined benefit plans Service cost $ 370 $ 269 $ 285 Interest cost 264 259 227 Expected return on plan assets (575) (474) (439) Amortization of prior service cost 2 — — Amortization of actuarial loss 227 109 140 Net periodic benefit cost $ 288 $ 163 $ 213 Other post-employment plans Service cost $ 42 $ 25 $ 26 Interest cost 34 29 25 Amortization of prior service credit (4) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 26 1 1 Net periodic benefit cost $ 98 $ 55 $ 52 The components of net periodic benefit cost other than service cost are included in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of earnings. Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Determining Benefit Obligations at the Measurement Date as of December 31 2020 2019 Defined benefit plans Discount rate 2.4 % 3.0 % Rate of compensation increases 4.6 % 4.6 % Cash balance interest crediting rate 2.8 % 2.8 % Other post-employment plans Discount rate 2.8 % 3.6 % The assumptions used in calculating the December 31, 2020 measurement date benefit obligations will be used in the calculation of net periodic benefit cost in 2021. Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Determining Net Periodic Benefit Cost years ended December 31 2020 2019 2018 Defined benefit plans Discount rate for determining service cost 3.1 % 4.0 % 3.4 % Discount rate for determining interest cost 3.0 % 4.0 % 3.1 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.1 % 7.6 % 7.7 % Expected rate of change in compensation 4.6 % 4.6 % 4.4 % Cash balance interest crediting rate 2.8 % 2.8 % 2.8 % Other post-employment plans Discount rate for determining service cost 3.7 % 4.7 % 4.0 % Discount rate for determining interest cost 3.2 % 4.3 % 3.7 % For the December 31, 2020 post-retirement health care obligations remeasurement, the company assumed a 6.3% pre-65 (6.7% post-65) annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.5% in 2090 and remain at that level thereafter. For purposes of measuring the 2020 post-retirement health care costs, the company assumed a 6.4% pre-65 (7.0% post-65) annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.5% for 2050 and remain at that level thereafter. Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets Basis of fair value measurement as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Equities U.S. large cap (a) $ 1,143 $ 1,143 $ — $ — U.S. mid cap (b) 164 164 — — International (c) 524 524 — — Fixed income securities U.S. government securities (d) 132 18 114 — Corporate debt instruments (d) 854 178 676 — Non-U.S. government securities (d) 544 397 147 — Other (d) 297 294 3 — Absolute return funds (e) 310 4 306 — Real assets 10 10 — — Other (f) 252 250 2 — Total $ 4,230 $ 2,982 $ 1,248 $ — Total assets measured at NAV 5,472 Fair value of plan assets $ 9,702 Basis of fair value measurement as of December 31 (in millions) 2019 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Equities U.S. large cap (a) $ 884 $ 884 $ — $ — U.S. mid cap (b) 138 138 — — International (c) 349 349 — — Fixed income securities U.S. government securities (d) 149 21 128 — Corporate debt instruments (d) 372 112 260 — Non-U.S. government securities (d) 202 84 118 — Other (d) 320 318 2 — Absolute return funds (e) 296 4 292 — Real assets 9 9 — — Other (f) 132 132 — — Total $ 2,851 $ 2,051 $ 800 $ — Total assets measured at NAV 4,265 Fair value of plan assets $ 7,116 (a) A mix of index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various large cap indices. (b) A mix of index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various mid cap indices. (c) A mix of index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various non-U.S. equity indices in both developed and emerging markets. (d) Securities held by actively managed accounts, index funds and mutual funds. (e) Primarily funds having global mandates with the flexibility to allocate capital broadly across a wide range of asset classes and strategies, including but not limited to equities, fixed income, commodities, financial futures, currencies and other securities, with objectives to outperform agreed upon benchmarks of specific return and volatility targets. (f) Investments in cash and cash equivalents. Equities and registered investment companies having quoted prices are valued at the published market prices. Fixed income securities that are valued using significant other observable inputs are quoted at prices obtained from independent financial service industry-recognized vendors. Investments held in pooled investment funds, common collective trusts or limited partnerships are valued at the net asset value (NAV) practical expedient to estimate fair value. The NAV is provided by the fund administrator and is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund minus its liabilities. The investment mix of equity securities, fixed income and other asset allocation strategies is based upon achieving a desired return, balancing higher return, more volatile equity securities and lower return, less volatile fixed income securities. Investment allocations are established for each plan and are generally made across a range of markets, industry sectors, capitalization sizes and in the case of fixed income securities, maturities and credit quality. The 2020 target investment allocation for the AbbVie Pension Plan was 50% in equity securities, 20% in fixed income securities and 30% in asset allocation strategies and other holdings. There are no known significant concentrations of risk in the plan assets of the AbbVie Pension Plan or of any other plans. The expected return on plan assets assumption for each plan is based on management's expectations of long-term average rates of return to be achieved by the underlying investment portfolio. In establishing this assumption, management considers historical and expected returns for the asset classes in which the plans are invested, as well as current economic and capital market conditions. Expected Benefit Payments The following table summarizes total benefit payments expected to be paid to plan participants including payments funded from both plan and company assets: years ending December 31 (in millions) Defined Other 2021 $ 284 $ 23 2022 301 29 2023 319 31 2024 339 33 2025 362 36 2026 to 2030 2,169 217 Defined Contribution Plan AbbVie's principal defined contribution plans are the AbbVie Savings Plan and the Allergan Savings Plan. AbbVie recorded expense of $191 million in 2020, $102 million in 2019 and $89 million in 2018 related to these plans. AbbVie provides certain other post-employment benefits, primarily salary continuation arrangements, to qualifying employees and accrues for the related cost over the service lives of the employees.

Equity

Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	Equity Stock-Based Compensation AbbVie grants stock-based awards to eligible employees pursuant to the AbbVie 2013 Incentive Stock Program (2013 ISP), which provides for several different forms of benefits, including nonqualified stock options, RSUs and various performance-based awards. Under the 2013 ISP, 100 million shares of AbbVie common stock were reserved for issuance as awards to AbbVie employees. The 2013 ISP also facilitated the assumption of certain awards granted under Abbott’s incentive stock program, which were adjusted and converted into Abbott and AbbVie stock-based awards as a result of AbbVie's separation from Abbott. AbbVie measures compensation expense for stock-based awards based on the grant date fair value of the awards and the estimated number of awards that are expected to vest. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience at the time of grant and are revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Compensation cost for stock-based awards is amortized over the service period, which could be shorter than the vesting period if an employee is retirement eligible. Retirement eligible employees generally are those who are age 55 or older and have at least 10 years of service. Stock-based compensation expense is principally related to awards issued pursuant to the 2013 ISP and is summarized as follows: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Cost of products sold $ 47 $ 29 $ 27 Research and development 247 171 169 Selling, general and administrative 459 230 225 Pre-tax compensation expense 753 430 421 Tax benefit 131 80 73 After-tax compensation expense $ 622 $ 350 $ 348 Realized excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation totaled $34 million in 2020, $15 million in 2019 and $78 million in 2018. Stock Options Stock options awarded to employees typically have a contractual term of 10 years and generally vest in one-third increments over a three-year period. The exercise price is equal to at least 100% of the market value on the date of grant. The fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes model. The weighted-average grant-date fair values of stock options granted were $12.14 in 2020, $12.54 in 2019 and $21.63 in 2018. In connection with the Allergan acquisition, during the second quarter of 2020, AbbVie issued 11.2 million stock options to holders of Allergan options as a result of the conversion of such options. These options were fair-valued using a lattice valuation model. Refer to Note 5 for additional information regarding the Allergan acquisition. The following table summarizes AbbVie stock option activity in 2020: (options in thousands, aggregate intrinsic value in millions) Options Weighted- average Weighted-average remaining Aggregate intrinsic value Outstanding at December 31, 2019 6,761 $ 60.39 5.9 $ 207 Granted 1,995 93.50 Granted in acquisition 11,152 70.48 Exercised (4,129) 51.29 Lapsed (88) 107.33 Outstanding at December 31, 2020 15,691 $ 73.90 4.7 $ 559 Exercisable at December 31, 2020 12,440 $ 69.99 3.6 $ 498 The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $186 million in 2020, $22 million in 2019 and $215 million in 2018. The total fair value of options vested during 2020 was $292 million. As of December 31, 2020, $13 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is expected to be recognized as expense over approximately the next two years. RSUs and Performance Shares RSUs awarded to employees other than senior executives and other key employees generally vest in ratable increments over a three The majority of the equity awards AbbVie grants to its senior executives and other key employees are performance-based. Equity awards granted to senior executives and other key employees consist of a combination of performance-vested RSUs and performance shares as well as non-qualified stock options described above. The performance-vested RSUs have the potential to vest in one-third increments during a three-year performance period. For awards granted in 2020, performance is based on AbbVie's return on invested capital (ROIC) relative to a defined peer group of pharmaceutical, biotech and life science companies. For awards granted in 2018 and 2019, the tranches tied to 2020 performance are based on AbbVie’s return on equity (ROE) relative to a defined peer group of pharmaceutical, biotech and life sciences companies. The recipient may receive one share of AbbVie common stock for each vested award. The performance shares have the potential to vest over a three-year performance period and may be earned based on AbbVie’s EPS achievement and AbbVie’s total stockholder return (TSR) (a market condition) relative to a defined peer group of pharmaceutical, biotech and life sciences companies. Dividend equivalents on performance-vested RSUs and performance shares accrue during the performance period and are payable at vesting only to the extent that shares are earned. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of RSUs and performance shares generally is determined based on the number of shares/units granted and the quoted price of AbbVie’s common stock on the date of grant. The weighted-average grant-date fair values of performance shares with a TSR market condition are determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model. The following table summarizes AbbVie RSU and performance share activity for 2020: (share units in thousands) Share units Weighted-average grant date fair value Outstanding at December 31, 2019 10,232 $ 81.72 Granted 5,524 92.35 Granted in acquisition 8,234 83.96 Vested (6,667) 80.09 Forfeited (1,405) 84.13 Outstanding at December 31, 2020 15,918 $ 87.03 The fair market value of RSUs and performance shares (as applicable) vested was $618 million in 2020, $371 million in 2019 and $583 million in 2018. In connection with the Allergan acquisition, during the second quarter of 2020, AbbVie issued 8.2 million RSUs to holders of Allergan equity awards based on a conversion factor described in the transaction agreement. Refer to Note 5 for additional information regarding the Allergan acquisition. As of December 31, 2020, $579 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs and performance shares is expected to be recognized as expense over approximately the next two years. Cash Dividends Cash dividends declared per common share totaled $4.84 in 2020, $4.39 in 2019 and $3.95 in 2018. The following table summarizes quarterly cash dividends declared during 2020, 2019 and 2018: 2020 2019 2018 Date Declared Payment Date Dividend Per Share Date Declared Payment Date Dividend Per Share Date Declared Payment Date Dividend Per Share 10/30/20 02/16/21 $1.30 11/01/19 02/14/20 $1.18 11/02/18 02/15/19 $1.07 09/11/20 11/16/20 $1.18 09/06/19 11/15/19 $1.07 09/07/18 11/15/18 $0.96 06/17/20 08/14/20 $1.18 06/20/19 08/15/19 $1.07 06/14/18 08/15/18 $0.96 02/20/20 05/15/20 $1.18 02/21/19 05/15/19 $1.07 02/15/18 05/15/18 $0.96 Stock Repurchase Program The company's stock repurchase authorization permits purchases of AbbVie shares from time to time in open-market or private transactions at management’s discretion. The program has no time limit and can be discontinued at any time. Shares repurchased under these programs are recorded at acquisition cost, including related expenses and are available for general corporate purposes. AbbVie repurchased 8 million shares for $757 million in 2020 and 4 million shares for $300 million in 2019. AbbVie's remaining stock repurchase authorization was $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2020. On February 15, 2018, AbbVie's board of directors authorized a new $10.0 billion stock repurchase program, which superseded AbbVie's previous stock repurchase program. On December 13, 2018, AbbVie's board of directors authorized a $5.0 billion increase to the existing $10.0 billion stock repurchase program. Under this authorization, AbbVie repurchased approximately 109 million shares for $10.7 billion in 2018. Under previous stock repurchase programs, AbbVie made open-market share repurchases of approximately 11 million shares for $1.3 billion in 2018. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following table summarizes the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for 2020, 2019 and 2018: (in millions) (brackets denote losses) Foreign currency translation adjustments Net investment hedging activities Pension Marketable security activities Cash flow hedging activities Total Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ (439) $ (203) $ (1,919) $ — $ (166) $ (2,727) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (391) 138 84 (14) 156 (27) Net losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — — 113 4 157 274 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (391) 138 197 (10) 313 247 Balance as of December 31, 2018 (830) (65) (1,722) (10) 147 (2,480) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (98) 95 (1,330) 12 298 (1,023) Net losses (gains) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (21) 87 (2) (157) (93) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (98) 74 (1,243) 10 141 (1,116) Balance as of December 31, 2019 (928) 9 (2,965) — 288 (3,596) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 1,511 (785) (300) — (108) 318 Net losses (gains) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (14) 198 — (23) 161 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 1,511 (799) (102) — (131) 479 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 583 $ (790) $ (3,067) $ — $ 157 $ (3,117) Other comprehensive income (loss) included foreign currency translation adjustments totaling gains of $1.5 billion in 2020 which were principally due to the impact of the strengthening of the Euro on the translation of the company’s Euro-denominated assets. Other comprehensive income (loss) included foreign currency translation adjustments totaling losses of $98 million in 2019 and $391 million in 2018 which were principally due to the impact of the weakening of the Euro on the translation of the company’s Euro-denominated assets. Other comprehensive loss for 2019 included pension and post-employment benefit plan losses of $1.2 billion primarily due to an actuarial loss driven by lower discount rates. See Note 12 for additional information. The table below presents the impact on AbbVie's consolidated statements of earnings for significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss: years ended December 31 (in millions) (brackets denote gains) 2020 2019 2018 Net investment hedging activities Gains on derivative amount excluded from effectiveness testing (a) $ (18) $ (27) $ — Tax expense 4 6 — Total reclassifications, net of tax $ (14) $ (21) $ — Pension and post-employment benefits Amortization of actuarial losses and other (b) $ 251 $ 110 $ 141 Tax benefit (53) (23) (28) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 198 $ 87 $ 113 Cash flow hedging activities Losses (gains) on foreign currency forward exchange contracts (c) $ (23) $ (167) $ 161 Gains on treasury rate lock agreements (a) (24) (3) — Losses (gains) on interest rate swap contracts (a) 17 (1) — Tax expense (benefit) 7 14 (4) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ (23) $ (157) $ 157 (a) Amounts are included in interest expense, net (see Note 11). (b) Amounts are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 12). (c) Amounts are included in cost of products sold (see Note 11). Other In addition to common stock, AbbVie's authorized capital includes 200 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01. As of December 31, 2020, no shares of preferred stock were issued or outstanding.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Earnings Before Income Tax Expense years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Domestic $ (4,467) $ (2,784) $ (4,274) Foreign 7,865 11,210 9,471 Total earnings before income tax expense $ 3,398 $ 8,426 $ 5,197 Income Tax Expense years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Current Domestic $ 907 $ 102 $ 593 Foreign 194 320 434 Total current taxes $ 1,101 $ 422 $ 1,027 Deferred Domestic $ (58) $ (137) $ (1,497) Foreign (2,267) 259 (20) Total deferred taxes $ (2,325) $ 122 $ (1,517) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ (1,224) $ 544 $ (490) Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation years ended December 31 2020 2019 2018 Statutory tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % Effect of foreign operations 2.4 (8.4) (28.7) U.S. tax credits (10.6) (3.3) (7.3) Impacts related to U.S. tax reform (1.1) (1.6) 8.2 Non-deductible expenses 7.2 1.0 1.2 Tax law changes and related restructuring (48.5) 3.1 — Stock-based compensation excess tax benefit (0.9) (0.2) (1.5) Tax audit settlements (5.1) (4.7) (2.5) All other, net (0.4) (0.4) 0.2 Effective tax rate (36.0) % 6.5 % (9.4) % The effective income tax rate fluctuates year to year due to the allocation of the company's taxable earnings among jurisdictions, as well as certain discrete factors and events in each year, including changes in tax law, acquisitions and collaborations. The effective income tax rates in 2020, 2019 and 2018 differed from the statutory tax rate principally due to the impact of foreign operations which reflects the impact of lower income tax rates in locations outside the United States, tax incentives in Puerto Rico and other foreign tax jurisdictions, business development activities, changes in enacted tax rates and laws and related restructuring, the cost of repatriation decisions, tax audit settlements and Boehringer Ingelheim accretion on contingent consideration. The 2020 effective income tax rate included the recognition of a net tax benefit of $1.7 billion related to changes in tax laws and related restructuring, including certain intra-group transfers of intellectual property and deferred tax remeasurement. The effective tax rates for these periods also reflected the benefit from U.S. tax credits principally related to research and development credits, the orphan drug tax credit and Puerto Rico excise tax credits. The Puerto Rico excise tax credits relate to legislation enacted by Puerto Rico that assesses an excise tax on certain products manufactured in Puerto Rico. The tax is levied on gross inventory purchases from entities in Puerto Rico and is included in cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of earnings. The majority of the tax is creditable for U.S. income tax purposes. The effective income tax rate in 2020, 2019 and 2018 included impacts related to U.S. tax reform. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was signed into law in December 2017, resulting in significant changes to the U.S. corporate tax system, including a one-time transition tax on a mandatory deemed repatriation of earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously untaxed. The Act also created a minimum tax on certain foreign sourced earnings. The company’s accounting policy for the minimum tax on foreign sourced earnings is to report the tax effects on the basis that the minimum tax will be recognized in tax expense in the year it is incurred as a period expense. In 2018, there was a favorable impact of the effective date of provisions of the Act related to the earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries. For 2019, the impact of the Act affected the full year earnings of these subsidiaries, resulting in additional tax expense compared to the previous year. The effective income tax rates for 2019 and 2018 also included the effects of Stemcentrx impairment related expenses. Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Deferred tax assets Compensation and employee benefits $ 1,109 $ 810 Accruals and reserves 438 371 Chargebacks and rebates 555 477 Advance payments 324 615 Net operating losses and other credit carryforwards 2,765 838 Other 1,371 406 Total deferred tax assets 6,562 3,517 Valuation allowances (1,203) (731) Total net deferred tax assets 5,359 2,786 Deferred tax liabilities Excess of book basis over tax basis of intangible assets (5,274) (2,712) Excess of book basis over tax basis in investments (335) (249) Other (982) (440) Total deferred tax liabilities (6,591) (3,401) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (1,232) $ (615) The increases in deferred tax liabilities are primarily due to the acquisition of Allergan in which the company recorded the excess of book basis over tax basis of intangible assets. The increases in deferred tax assets are primarily due to deferred tax asset recognition related to the intra-group transfer of intellectual property. As of December 31, 2020, the company had U.S. federal and state credit carryforwards of $293 million as well as U.S. federal, state and non-U.S. net operating loss carryforwards of $4.3 billion, which will expire at various times through 2040. The remaining U.S. federal and non-U.S. loss carryforwards of $5.8 billion have no expiration. The company had valuation allowances of $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2020 and $731 million as of December 31, 2019. These were principally related to foreign and state net operating losses and credit carryforwards that are not expected to be realized. The Act significantly changed the timing and manner in which earnings of foreign subsidiaries are subject to U.S. tax. Therefore, unremitted foreign earnings previously considered indefinitely reinvested that were subject to the Act’s transition tax are no longer considered indefinitely reinvested. Post-2017 earnings subject to the U.S. minimum tax on foreign sourced earnings or eligible for the 100 percent foreign dividends received deduction are also not considered indefinitely reinvested earnings. However, the company generally considers instances of outside basis differences in foreign subsidiaries that would incur additional U.S. tax upon reversal (e.g., capital gain distribution) to be permanent in duration. The unrecognized tax liability is not practicable to determine. Unrecognized Tax Benefits years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Beginning balance $ 2,661 $ 2,852 $ 2,701 Increase due to acquisition 2,674 — — Increase due to current year tax positions 91 113 163 Increase due to prior year tax positions 59 499 110 Decrease due to prior year tax positions (7) (21) (36) Settlements (141) (749) (79) Lapse of statutes of limitations (73) (33) (7) Ending balance $ 5,264 $ 2,661 $ 2,852 AbbVie and Abbott entered into a tax sharing agreement, effective on the date of separation, which provides that Abbott is liable for and has indemnified AbbVie against all income tax liabilities for periods prior to the separation. AbbVie will be responsible for unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties for periods after separation or in instances where an existing entity was transferred to AbbVie upon separation. If recognized, the net amount of potential tax benefits that would impact the company's effective tax rate is $5.0 billion in 2020 and $2.4 billion in 2019. Of the unrecognized tax benefits recorded in the table above as of December 31, 2020, AbbVie would be indemnified for approximately $81 million. The "Increase due to current year tax positions" and "Increase due to prior year tax positions" in the table above include amounts related to federal, state and international tax items. "Increase due to acquisition" in the table above includes amounts related to federal, state and international tax items recorded in acquisition accounting related to the Allergan acquisition. AbbVie recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of earnings. AbbVie recognized gross income tax expense of $142 million in 2020, $51 million in 2019 and $73 million in 2018, for interest and penalties related to income tax matters. AbbVie had an accrual for the payment of gross interest and penalties of $642 million at December 31, 2020, $191 million at December 31, 2019 and $190 million at December 31, 2018. The company is routinely audited by the tax authorities in significant jurisdictions and a number of audits are currently underway. It is reasonably possible during the next 12 months that uncertain tax positions may be settled, which could result in a decrease in the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits. Due to the potential for resolution of federal, state and foreign examinations and the expiration of various statutes of limitation, the company's gross unrecognized tax benefits balance may change within the next 12 months up to $68 million. All significant federal, state, local and international matters have been concluded for years through 2008. The company believes adequate provision has been made for all income tax uncertainties.

Legal Proceedings and Contingen

Legal Proceedings and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies	Legal Proceedings and Contingencies AbbVie is subject to contingencies, such as various claims, legal proceedings and investigations regarding product liability, intellectual property, commercial, securities and other matters that arise in the normal course of business. The most significant matters are described below. Loss contingency provisions are recorded for probable losses at management’s best estimate of a loss, or when a best estimate cannot be made, a minimum loss contingency amount within a probable range is recorded. The recorded accrual balance for litigation was approximately $60 million as of December 31, 2020 and approximately $290 million as of December 31, 2019. Initiation of new legal proceedings or a change in the status of existing proceedings may result in a change in the estimated loss accrued by AbbVie. In addition, other operating income in 2019 included $550 million of income from a legal settlement related to an intellectual property dispute with a third party. While it is not feasible to predict the outcome of all proceedings and exposures with certainty, management believes that their ultimate disposition should not have a material adverse effect on AbbVie’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Subject to certain exceptions specified in the separation agreement by and between Abbott and AbbVie, AbbVie assumed the liability for, and control of, all pending and threatened legal matters related to its business, including liabilities for any claims or legal proceedings related to products that had been part of its business, but were discontinued prior to the distribution, as well as assumed or retained liabilities, and will indemnify Abbott for any liability arising out of or resulting from such assumed legal matters. Antitrust Litigation Lawsuits are pending against AbbVie and others generally alleging that the 2005 patent litigation settlement involving Niaspan entered into between Kos Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a company acquired by Abbott in 2006 and presently a subsidiary of AbbVie) and a generic company violates federal and state antitrust laws and state unfair and deceptive trade practices and unjust enrichment laws. Plaintiffs generally seek monetary damages and/or injunctive relief and attorneys' fees. The lawsuits pending in federal court consist of four individual plaintiff lawsuits and two consolidated purported class actions: one brought by Niaspan direct purchasers and one brought by Niaspan end-payers. The cases are pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for coordinated or consolidated pre-trial proceedings under the MDL Rules as In re: Niaspan Antitrust Litigation , MDL No. 2460. In August 2019, the court certified a class of direct purchasers of Niaspan. In June 2020, the court denied the end-payers' motion to certify a class. In October 2016, the Orange County, California District Attorney’s Office filed a lawsuit on behalf of the State of California regarding the Niaspan patent litigation settlement in Orange County Superior Court, asserting a claim under the unfair competition provision of the California Business and Professions Code seeking injunctive relief, restitution, civil penalties and attorneys’ fees. In September 2014, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit, FTC v. AbbVie Inc., et al. , against AbbVie and others in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, alleging that 2011 patent litigation with two generic companies regarding AndroGel was sham litigation and the settlements of that litigation violated federal antitrust law. In May 2015, the court dismissed the FTC’s settlement-related claim. In June 2018, following a bench trial, the court found for the FTC on its sham litigation claim and ordered a disgorgement remedy of $448 million, plus prejudgment interest. The court denied the FTC’s request for injunctive relief. In September 2020, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit reversed the district court’s finding of sham litigation with respect to one generic company and affirmed with respect to the other but held the FTC lacked authority to obtain a disgorgement remedy and vacated the district court’s award. The Third Circuit also affirmed the district court’s denial of the FTC’s injunction request and reinstated the FTC’s settlement-related claim for further proceedings in the district court. In August 2019, direct purchasers of AndroGel filed a lawsuit, King Drug Co. of Florence, Inc., et al. v. AbbVie Inc., et al. , against AbbVie and others in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, alleging that 2006 patent litigation settlements and related agreements by Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a company Abbott acquired in February 2010 and now known as AbbVie Products LLC) with three generic companies violated federal antitrust law, and also making allegations similar to those in FTC v. AbbVie Inc. (above). In May 2020, Perrigo Company and related entities filed a lawsuit against AbbVie and others in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, making sham litigation allegations similar to those in FTC v. AbbVie Inc . (above). In October 2020, the Perrigo lawsuit was transferred to the United States District Court for New Jersey. Between March and May 2019, 12 putative class action lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by indirect Humira purchasers, alleging that AbbVie’s settlements with biosimilar manufacturers and AbbVie’s Humira patent portfolio violated state and federal antitrust laws. The court consolidated these lawsuits as In re: Humira (Adalimumab) Antitrust Litigation . In June 2020, the court dismissed the consolidated litigation with prejudice. The plaintiffs have appealed the dismissal. Lawsuits are pending against Forest Laboratories, LLC and others generally alleging that 2009 and 2010 patent litigation settlements involving Namenda entered into between Forest and generic companies and other conduct by Forest involving Namenda, violated state antitrust, unfair and deceptive trade practices, and unjust enrichment laws. Plaintiffs generally seek monetary damages, injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees. The lawsuits, purported class actions filed by indirect purchasers of Namenda, are consolidated as In re: Namenda Indirect Purchaser Antitrust Litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Lawsuits are pending against Allergan Inc. generally alleging that Allergan’s petitioning to the U.S. Patent Office and Food and Drug Administration and other conduct by Allergan involving Restasis violated federal and state antitrust laws and state unfair and deceptive trade practices and unjust enrichment laws. Plaintiffs generally seek monetary damages, injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees. The lawsuits, certified as a class action filed on behalf of indirect purchasers of Restasis, are consolidated for pre-trial purposes in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under the MDL Rules as In re: Restasis (Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Emulsion) Antitrust Litigation , MDL No. 2819. Lawsuits are pending against Forest Laboratories, LLC and others generally alleging that 2012 and 2013 patent litigation settlements involving Bystolic with six generic manufacturers violated federal and state antitrust laws and state unfair and deceptive trade practices and unjust enrichment laws. Plaintiffs generally seek monetary damages, injunctive relief, and attorneys’ fees. The lawsuits, purported class actions filed on behalf of direct and indirect purchasers of Bystolic, are consolidated as In re: Bystolic Antitrust Litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Government Proceedings Lawsuits are pending against Allergan and several other manufacturers generally alleging that they improperly promoted and sold prescription opioid products. Approximately 3,100 matters are pending against Allergan. The federal court cases are consolidated for pre-trial purposes in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio under the MDL rules as In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation , MDL No. 2804. Approximately 300 of the claims are pending in various state courts. The plaintiffs in these cases, which include states, counties, cities, and Native American tribes, generally seek compensatory damages. In July 2019, the New Mexico Attorney General filed a lawsuit, State of New Mexico ex rel. Balderas v. AbbVie Inc., et al. , in New Mexico District Court for Santa Fe County against AbbVie and other companies alleging their marketing of AndroGel violated New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act. In October 2020, the state added a claim under the New Mexico False Advertising Act. Shareholder and Securities Litigation In June 2016, a lawsuit, Elliott Associates, L.P., et al. v. AbbVie Inc. , was filed by five investment funds against AbbVie in the Cook County, Illinois Circuit Court alleging that AbbVie made misrepresentations and omissions in connection with its proposed transaction with Shire. Similar lawsuits were filed between July 2017 and October 2019 against AbbVie and in some instances its chief executive officer in the same court by additional investment funds. The court granted motions dismissing the claims of three investment-fund plaintiffs, which they are appealing. One of these plaintiffs refiled its lawsuit in New York state court in June 2020 while the appeal of its dismissal in Illinois is pending. In November 2020, the New York Supreme Court for the County of New York dismissed that lawsuit. Plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages. In October 2018, a federal securities lawsuit, Holwill v. AbbVie Inc., et al ., was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois) against AbbVie, its chief executive officer and former chief financial officer, alleging that reasons stated for Humira sales growth in financial filings between 2013 and 2017 were misleading because they omitted alleged misconduct in connection with Humira patient and reimbursement support services and other services and items of value that allegedly induced Humira prescriptions. In February 2020, a shareholder derivative lawsuit, Elfers v. Gonzalez, et al. , was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware alleging that certain AbbVie directors and officers breached their fiduciary duties regarding alleged misconduct in connection with Humira patient and reimbursement support services and other services and items of value and in connection with the announcements of results of AbbVie’s 2018 Dutch auction tender offer. In December 2020, the court dismissed the lawsuit. Lawsuits are pending against Allergan and certain of its current and former officers alleging they made misrepresentations and omissions regarding Allergan's textured breast implants. The lawsuits, which were filed by Allergan shareholders, have been consolidated in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York as In re: Allergan plc Securities Litigation . The plaintiffs generally seek compensatory damages and attorneys’ fees. In September 2019, the court partially granted Allergan's motion to dismiss. In September 2020, the court denied plaintiffs’ class certification motion because it found the lead plaintiff to be an inadequate representative of the proposed class but allowed another putative class member to propose itself as a new lead plaintiff. In December 2020, the court appointed a new lead plaintiff. Lawsuits are pending against Allergan and certain of its current and former officers alleging they made misrepresentations and omissions regarding Allergan’s former Actavis generics unit and its alleged anticompetitive conduct with other generic drug companies. The lawsuits were filed by Allergan shareholders and consist of three purported class actions and one individual action that have been consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey as In re: Allergan Generic Drug Pricing Securities Litigation . Another individual action in New Jersey state court was dismissed in September 2020. The plaintiffs seek monetary damages and attorneys’ fees. Product Liability and General Litigation Product liability cases are pending in which plaintiffs generally allege that AbbVie did not adequately warn about risk of certain injuries, primarily various birth defects, arising from use of Depakote. Approximately 92 cases are pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois along with one other pending in s tate court. Plaintiffs generally seek compensatory and punitive damages. Approximately ninety-eight percent of these pending cases, plus other unfiled claims, are subject to confidential settlement agreements or agreements-in-principle and are expected to be dismissed with prejudice. In 2018, a qui tam lawsuit, U.S. ex rel. Silbersher v. Allergan Inc., et al. , was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against several Allergan entities and others, alleging that their conduct before the U.S. Patent Office resulted in false claims for payment being made to federal and state healthcare payors for Namenda XR and Namzaric. The plaintiff-relator seeks damages and attorneys' fees under the federal False Claims Act and state law analogues. The federal government and state governments declined to intervene in the lawsuit. Intellectual Property Litigation Pharmacyclics LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of AbbVie, is seeking to enforce its patent rights relating to ibrutinib capsules (a drug Pharmacyclics sells under the trademark Imbruvica). In February 2018 a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against Sandoz Inc. and Lek Pharmaceuticals D.D. In the case, Pharmacyclics alleges the defendants' proposed generic ibrutinib product infringes certain Pharmacyclics patents and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief. Janssen Biotech, Inc. which is in a global collaboration with Pharmacyclics concerning the development and marketing of Imbruvica, is the co-plaintiff in this suit. Pharmacyclics LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of AbbVie, is seeking to enforce its patent rights relating to ibrutinib tablets (a drug Pharmacyclics sells under the trademark Imbruvica). Cases were filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware in March 2019 and March 2020 against Alvogen Pine Brook LLC and Natco Pharma Ltd., and in April 2020 against Zydus Worldwide DMCC and Cadila Healthcare Limited. In each case, Pharmacyclics alleges defendants’ proposed generic ibrutinib tablet product infringes certain Pharmacyclics patents and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief. Janssen Biotech, Inc. which is in a global collaboration with Pharmacyclics concerning the development and marketing of Imbruvica, is the co-plaintiff in these suits. Allergan USA, Inc., Allergan Sales, LLC, and Forest Laboratories Holdings Limited, wholly owned subsidiaries of AbbVie, are seeking to enforce patent rights relating to cariprazine (a drug sold under the trademark Vraylar). Litigation was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware in December 2019 against Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited and Sun Pharma Global FZE; Aurobindo Pharma Limited and Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc.; and Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA), Inc. and Cadila Healthcare Limited. Allergan alleges defendants' proposed generic cariprazine products infringe certain patents and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief. Gedeon Richter Plc, Inc. which is in a global collaboration with Allergan concerning the development and marketing of Vraylar, is the co-plaintiff in this suit. In January 2019, Allergan, Inc. and Allergan plc (now Allergan Limited) and Medytox Inc. (collectively, "Complainants") filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) against Daewoong Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Daewoong Co., Ltd., and Evolus Inc. (collectively, "Respondents") requesting the ITC commence an investigation regarding the importation into the United States of Respondents' botulinum neurotoxin products, including Jeuveau, which Complainants assert were developed using Medytox's trade secrets. Complainants seek permanent exclusion and cease and desist orders covering Respondents' products, including Jeuveau. In July 2020, the administrative law judge issued an initial ruling in favor of Allergan and Medytox. In December 2020, the full Commission affirmed, in part, and reversed, in part, the initial ruling. In August 2020, BTL Industries, Inc. (BTL) filed an ITC action against Allergan USA, Inc., Allergan Limited, Allergan, Inc., Zeltiq Aesthetics, Inc., Zeltiq Ireland Unlimited Company, and Zimmer Medizinsysteme GmbH, for patent infringement alleging that the CoolTone and CoolSculpting devices infringe its patents and seeking an exclusion order preventing importation of the devices and any components used to make or use the devices.

Segment and Geographic Area Inf

Segment and Geographic Area Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Geographic Area Information	Segment and Geographic Area Information AbbVie operates as a single global business segment dedicated to the research and development, manufacturing, commercialization and sale of innovative medicines and therapies. This operating structure enables the Chief Executive Officer, as chief operating decision maker (CODM), to allocate resources and assess business performance on a global basis in order to achieve established long-term strategic goals. Consistent with this structure, a global research and development and supply chain organization is responsible for the discovery, manufacturing and supply of products. Commercial efforts that coordinate the marketing, sales and distribution of these products are organized by geographic region or therapeutic area. All of these activities are supported by a global corporate administrative staff. The determination of a single business segment is consistent with the consolidated financial information regularly reviewed by the CODM for purposes of assessing performance, allocating resources and planning and forecasting future periods. Substantially all of AbbVie's net revenues in the United States are to three wholesalers. Outside the United States, products are sold primarily to health care providers or through distributors, depending on the market served. The following tables detail AbbVie's worldwide net revenues: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Immunology Humira United States $ 16,112 $ 14,864 $ 13,685 International 3,720 4,305 6,251 Total $ 19,832 $ 19,169 $ 19,936 Skyrizi United States $ 1,385 $ 311 $ — International 205 44 — Total $ 1,590 $ 355 $ — Rinvoq United States $ 653 $ 47 $ — International 78 — — Total $ 731 $ 47 $ — Hematologic Oncology Imbruvica United States $ 4,305 $ 3,830 $ 2,968 Collaboration revenues 1,009 844 622 Total $ 5,314 $ 4,674 $ 3,590 Venclexta United States $ 804 $ 521 $ 247 International 533 271 97 Total $ 1,337 $ 792 $ 344 Aesthetics Botox Cosmetic (a) United States $ 687 $ — $ — International 425 — — Total $ 1,112 $ — $ — Juvederm Collection (a) United States $ 318 $ — $ — International 400 — — Total $ 718 $ — $ — Other Aesthetics (a) United States $ 666 $ — $ — International 94 — — Total $ 760 $ — $ — Neuroscience Botox Therapeutic (a) United States $ 1,155 $ — $ — International 232 — — Total $ 1,387 $ — $ — Vraylar (a) United States $ 951 $ — $ — Duodopa United States $ 103 $ 97 $ 80 International 391 364 350 Total $ 494 $ 461 $ 430 Ubrelvy (a) United States $ 125 $ — $ — Other Neuroscience (a) United States $ 528 $ — $ — International 11 — — Total $ 539 $ — $ — years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Eye Care Lumigan/Ganfort (a) United States $ 165 $ — $ — International 213 — — Total $ 378 $ — $ — Alphagan/Combigan (a) United States $ 223 $ — $ — International 103 — — Total $ 326 $ — $ — Restasis (a) United States $ 755 $ — $ — International 32 — — Total $ 787 $ — $ — Other Eye Care (a) United States $ 305 $ — $ — International 388 — — Total $ 693 $ — $ — Women's Health Lo Loestrin (a) United States $ 346 $ — $ — International 10 — — Total $ 356 $ — $ — Orilissa/Oriahnn United States $ 121 $ 91 $ 11 International 4 2 — Total $ 125 $ 93 $ 11 Other Women's Health (a) United States $ 181 $ — $ — International 11 — — Total $ 192 $ — $ — Other Key Products Mavyret United States $ 785 $ 1,473 $ 1,614 International 1,045 1,420 1,824 Total $ 1,830 $ 2,893 $ 3,438 Creon United States $ 1,114 $ 1,041 $ 928 Lupron United States $ 600 $ 720 $ 726 International 152 167 166 Total $ 752 $ 887 $ 892 Linzess/Constella (a) United States $ 649 $ — $ — International 18 — — Total $ 667 $ — $ — Synthroid United States $ 771 $ 786 $ 776 All other $ 2,923 $ 2,068 $ 2,408 Total net revenues $ 45,804 $ 33,266 $ 32,753 (a) Net revenues include Allergan product revenues from the date of the acquisition, May 8, 2020, through December 31, 2020. Net revenues to external customers by geographic area, based on product shipment destination, were as follows: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 United States $ 34,879 $ 23,907 $ 21,524 Japan 1,198 1,211 1,591 Canada 1,159 813 730 Germany 1,049 909 1,292 France 797 695 783 Australia 527 395 350 United Kingdom 509 372 855 China 471 195 152 Spain 453 472 611 Brazil 406 359 350 Italy 379 372 652 All other countries 3,977 3,566 3,863 Total net revenues $ 45,804 $ 33,266 $ 32,753 Long-lived assets, primarily net property and equipment, by geographic area were as follows: as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 United States and Puerto Rico $ 3,354 $ 2,026 Europe 1,534 646 All other 360 290 Total long-lived assets $ 5,248 $ 2,962

Fourth Quarter Financial Result

Fourth Quarter Financial Results (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Fourth Quarter Financial Results (unaudited)	Fourth Quarter Financial Results (unaudited) quarter ended December 31 (in millions except per share data) 2020 Net revenues $ 13,858 Gross margin 9,174 Net earnings attributable to AbbVie Inc. (a) 36 Basic earnings per share attributable to AbbVie Inc. $ 0.01 Diluted earnings per share attributable to AbbVie Inc. $ 0.01 Cash dividends declared per common share $ 1.30 (a) Fourth quarter results in 2020 included after-tax charges of $4.7 billion related to the change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities partially offset by an after-tax benefit of $1.5 billion due to impacts related to tax law changes.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and necessarily include amounts based on estimates and assumptions by management. Actual results could differ from those amounts. Significant estimates include amounts for rebates, pension and other post-employment benefits, income taxes, litigation, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, contingent consideration liabilities, financial instruments and inventory and accounts receivable exposures.
Basis of Consolidation	Basis of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AbbVie and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. Controlling interest is determined by majority ownership interest and the absence of substantive third-party participating rights or, in the case of variable interest entities, where AbbVie is determined to be the primary beneficiary. Investments in companies over which AbbVie has a significant influence but not a controlling interest are accounted for using the equity method with AbbVie's share of earnings or losses reported in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of earnings. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made to conform the prior period consolidated financial statements to the current period presentation.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition AbbVie recognizes revenue when control of promised goods or services is transferred to the company’s customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration AbbVie expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Sales, value add and other taxes collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. AbbVie generates revenue primarily from product sales. For the majority of sales, the company transfers control, invoices the customer and recognizes revenue upon shipment to the customer. The company recognizes shipping and handling costs as an expense in cost of products sold when the company transfers control to the customer. Payment terms vary depending on the type and location of the customer, are based on customary commercial terms and are generally less than one year. AbbVie does not adjust revenue for the effects of a significant financing component for contracts where AbbVie expects the period between the transfer of the good or service and collection to be one year or less. Discounts, rebates, sales incentives to customers, returns and certain other adjustments are accounted for as variable consideration. Provisions for variable consideration are based on current pricing, executed contracts, government pricing legislation and historical data and are provided for in the period the related revenues are recorded. Rebate amounts are typically based upon the volume of purchases using contractual or statutory prices, which may vary by product and by payer. For each type of rebate, factors used in the calculation of the accrual include the identification of the products subject to the rebate, the applicable price terms and the estimated lag time between sale and payment of the rebate, which can be significant. Sales incentives to customers are insignificant. In addition to revenue from contracts with customers, the company also recognizes certain collaboration revenues. See Note 6 for additional information related to the collaborations with Janssen Biotech, Inc. and Genentech, Inc. Additionally, see Note 16 for disaggregation of revenue by product and geography.
Research and Development Expenses	Research and Development Expenses Internal research and development (R&D) costs are expensed as incurred. Clinical trial costs incurred by third parties are expensed as the contracted work is performed. Where contingent milestone payments are due to third parties under research and development collaborations, prior to regulatory approval, the payment obligations are expensed when the milestone results are achieved. Payments made to third parties subsequent to regulatory approval are capitalized as intangible assets and amortized to cost of products sold over the remaining useful life of the related product.
Collaborations and Other Arrangements	Collaborations and Other Arrangements The company enters into collaborative agreements with third parties to develop and commercialize drug candidates. Collaborative activities may include joint research and development and commercialization of new products. AbbVie generally receives certain licensing rights under these arrangements. These collaborations often require upfront payments and may include additional milestone, research and development cost sharing, royalty or profit share payments, contingent upon the occurrence of certain future events linked to the success of the asset in development and commercialization. Upfront payments associated with collaborative arrangements during the development stage are expensed to acquired in-process research and development (IPR&D) expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings. Subsequent payments made to the partner for the achievement of milestones during the development stage are expensed to R&D expense in the consolidated statements of earnings when the milestone is achieved. Milestone payments made to the partner subsequent to regulatory approval are capitalized as intangible assets and amortized to cost of products sold over the estimated useful life of the related asset. Royalties are expensed to cost of products sold in the consolidated statements of earnings when incurred.
Advertising	AdvertisingCosts associated with advertising are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense in the consolidated statements of earnings.
Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits	Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits AbbVie records annual expenses relating to its defined benefit pension and other post-employment benefit plans based on calculations which utilize various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates, rates of return on assets, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. AbbVie reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends. Actuarial gains and losses are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI), net of tax and are amortized over the remaining service attribution periods of the employees under the corridor method. Differences between the expected long-term return on plan assets and the actual annual return are amortized to net periodic benefit cost over a five-year period.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Provisions for federal, state and foreign income taxes are calculated on reported pretax earnings based on current tax laws. Deferred taxes are provided using enacted tax rates on the future tax consequences of temporary differences, which are the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and the tax benefits of carryforwards. A valuation allowance is established or maintained when, based on currently available information, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Cash and Equivalents	Cash and Equivalents Cash and equivalents include money market funds and time deposits with original maturities of three months or less.
Investments	Investments Investments consist primarily of equity securities, held-to-maturity debt securities, marketable debt securities and time deposits. Investments in equity securities that have readily determinable fair values are recorded at fair value. Investments in equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values are recorded at cost and are remeasured to fair value based on certain observable price changes or impairment events as they occur. Held-to-maturity debt securities are recorded at cost. Gains or losses on investments are included in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of earnings. Investments in marketable debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value with any unrealized holding gains or losses, net of tax, included in AOCI on the consolidated balance sheets until realized, at which time the gains or losses are recognized in earnings. AbbVie periodically assesses its marketable debt securities for impairment and credit losses. When a decline in fair value of marketable debt security is due to credit related factors, an allowance for credit losses is recorded with a corresponding charge to other expense in the consolidated statements of earnings. When AbbVie determines that a non-credit related impairment has occurred, the amortized cost basis of the investment, net of allowance for credit losses, is written down with a charge to other expense, net in the consolidated statements of earnings and an available-for-sale investment's unrealized loss is reclassified from AOCI to other expense, net in the consolidated statements of earnings. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are computed using the first-in, first-out method adjusted for any impairments and credit losses that were recorded in net earnings.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are stated at amortized cost less allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses reflects the best estimate of future losses over the contractual life of outstanding accounts receivable and is determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts, other currently available information including customer financial condition, and both current and forecasted economic conditions.
Inventories	InventoriesInventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market. Cost includes material and conversion costs.
Property and Equipment	Depreciation for property and equipment is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful life for buildings ranges from 10 to 50 years. Buildings include leasehold improvements which are amortized over the life of the related facility lease (including any renewal periods, if appropriate) or the asset, whichever is shorter. The estimated useful life for equipment ranges from 2 to 25 years. Equipment includes certain computer software and software development costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use and is amortized over 3 to 10 years.
Leases	Leases Short-term leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. For leases commencing or modified in 2019 or later, AbbVie does not separate lease components from non-lease components. The company records lease liabilities based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. AbbVie generally uses an incremental borrowing rate to discount its lease liabilities, as the rate implicit in the lease is typically not readily determinable. Certain lease agreements include renewal options that are under the company's control. AbbVie includes optional renewal periods in the lease term only when it is reasonably certain that AbbVie will exercise its option. Variable lease payments include payments to lessors for taxes, maintenance, insurance and other operating costs as well as payments that are adjusted based on an index or rate. The company's lease agreements do not contain any significant residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants.
Short-Term Leases	Short-term leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.
Litigation and Contingencies	Litigation and Contingencies Loss contingency provisions are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on existing information. When a best estimate cannot be made, the minimum loss contingency amount in a probable range is recorded. Legal fees are expensed as incurred. AbbVie accrues for product liability claims on an undiscounted basis. The liabilities are evaluated quarterly and adjusted if necessary as additional information becomes available. Receivables for insurance recoveries for product liability claims, if any, are recorded as assets on an undiscounted basis when it is probable that a recovery will be realized.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations AbbVie utilizes the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. This method requires, among other things, that results of operations of acquired companies are included in AbbVie's results of operations beginning on the respective acquisition dates and that assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized at fair value as of the acquisition date. Any excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over the fair values of the net assets acquired is recognized as goodwill. Contingent consideration liabilities are recognized at the estimated fair value on the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities are recognized in other expense, net in the consolidated statements of earnings. The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in certain cases may be subject to revision based on the final determination of fair value during a period of time not to exceed 12 months from the acquisition date. Legal costs, due diligence costs, business valuation costs and all other business acquisition costs are expensed when incurred.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recorded at fair value using a discounted cash flow model. The discounted cash flow model requires assumptions about the timing and amount of future net cash flows, risk, the cost of capital and terminal values of market participants. Definite-lived intangibles are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the estimated pattern of economic benefit. AbbVie reviews the recoverability of definite-lived intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. AbbVie first compares the projected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the asset to its carrying value. If the undiscounted cash flows of an intangible asset are less than the carrying value, the intangible asset is written down to its fair value. Where cash flows cannot be identified for an individual asset, the review is applied at the lowest level for which cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Goodwill and indefinite-lived assets are not amortized, but are subject to an impairment review annually and more frequently when indicators of impairment exist. An impairment of goodwill could occur if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeded the fair value of that reporting unit. An impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets would occur if the fair value of the intangible asset is less than the carrying value. The company tests its goodwill for impairment by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than its carrying amount. If the company concludes it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative impairment test is performed. AbbVie tests indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than its carrying amount. If the company concludes it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative impairment test is performed. For its quantitative impairment tests, the company uses an estimated future cash flow approach that requires significant judgment with respect to future volume, revenue and expense growth rates, changes in working capital use, the selection of an appropriate discount rate, asset groupings and other assumptions and estimates. The estimates and assumptions used are consistent with the company's business plans and a market participant's views. The use of alternative estimates and assumptions could increase or decrease the estimated fair value of the assets and potentially result in different impacts to the company's results of operations. Actual results may differ from the company's estimates.
Acquired In-Process Research and Development	Acquired In-Process Research and Development In an asset acquisition, the initial costs of rights to IPR&D projects acquired are expensed as IPR&D in the consolidated statements of earnings unless the project has an alternative future use. These costs include initial payments incurred prior to
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency TranslationForeign subsidiary earnings are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates. The net assets of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates. The U.S. dollar effects that arise from translating the net assets of these subsidiaries at changing rates are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The net assets of subsidiaries in highly inflationary economies are remeasured as if the functional currency were the reporting currency. The remeasurement is recognized in net foreign exchange loss in the consolidated statements of earnings.
Derivatives	Derivatives All derivative instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets and are classified as current or long-term based on the scheduled maturity of the instrument. For derivatives formally designated as hedges, the company assesses at inception and quarterly thereafter whether the hedging derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. The changes in fair value of a derivative designated as a fair value hedge and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings immediately. The effective portions of changes in the fair value of a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge are reported in AOCI and are subsequently recognized in earnings consistent with the underlying hedged item. If it is determined that a derivative is no longer highly effective as a hedge, the company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively. If a hedged forecasted transaction becomes probable of not occurring, any gains or losses are reclassified from AOCI to earnings. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges are adjusted to fair value through current earnings. The company also uses derivative instruments or foreign currency denominated debt to hedge its net investments in certain foreign subsidiaries and affiliates. Realized and unrealized gains and losses from these hedges are included in AOCI. Derivative cash flows, with the exception of net investment hedges, are principally classified in the operating section of the consolidated statements of cash flows, consistent with the underlying hedged item. Cash flows related to net investment hedges are classified in the investing section of the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements ASU No. 2016-13 In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) . The standard changes how credit losses are measured for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other financial instruments, the standard requires the use of a new forward-looking "expected credit loss" model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, the standard now requires allowances to be recorded instead of reducing the amortized cost of the investment. AbbVie adopted the standard in the first quarter of 2020. Upon adoption of the standard, accounts receivable are stated at amortized cost less allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses reflects the best estimate of future losses over the contractual life of outstanding accounts receivable and is determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts, other currently available information including customer financial condition, and both current and forecasted economic conditions. The adoption did not have a material impact on the company's consolidated financial statements. The allowance for credit losses was $262 million at December 31, 2020. There were no significant changes in credit loss risk factors that impacted the company's recorded allowance during 2020. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted ASU No. 2019-12 In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) . The standard includes simplifications related to accounting for income taxes including removing certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The standard also clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. The standard will be effective for AbbVie starting with the first quarter of 2021. AbbVie has completed its assessment of the new standard and concluded that the adoption will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of inventories	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market. Cost includes material and conversion costs. Inventories consisted of the following: as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Finished goods $ 1,318 $ 485 Work-in-process 1,201 942 Raw materials 791 386 Inventories $ 3,310 $ 1,813
Schedule of property and equipment	Property and Equipment as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Land $ 288 $ 72 Buildings 2,555 1,613 Equipment 6,976 6,012 Construction in progress 1,040 491 Property and equipment, gross 10,859 8,188 Less accumulated depreciation (5,611) (5,226) Property and equipment, net $ 5,248 $ 2,962

Supplemental Financial Inform_2

Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Supplemental Financial Information
Schedule of interest expense, net	Interest Expense, Net years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Interest expense $ 2,454 $ 1,784 $ 1,348 Interest income (174) (275) (204) Interest expense, net $ 2,280 $ 1,509 $ 1,144
Schedule of accounts payable and accrued liabilities	Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Sales rebates $ 7,188 $ 4,484 Dividends payable 2,335 1,771 Accounts payable 2,276 1,452 Salaries, wages and commissions 1,669 830 Royalty and license arrangements 483 324 Other 6,208 2,971 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 20,159 $ 11,832
Schedule of other long-term liabilities	Other Long-Term Liabilities as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Contingent consideration liabilities $ 12,289 $ 7,201 Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits 5,680 2,772 Income taxes payable 3,847 3,453 Pension and other post-employment benefits 3,413 2,949 Other 2,378 1,222 Other long-term liabilities $ 27,607 $ 17,597

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of basic and diluted earnings per share, impact of two-class method	The following table summarizes the impact of the two-class method: Years ended December 31, (in millions, except per share data) 2020 2019 2018 Basic EPS Net earnings attributable to AbbVie Inc. $ 4,616 $ 7,882 $ 5,687 Earnings allocated to participating securities 60 40 30 Earnings available to common shareholders $ 4,556 $ 7,842 $ 5,657 Weighted average basic shares of common stock outstanding 1,667 1,481 1,541 Basic earnings per share attributable to AbbVie Inc. $ 2.73 $ 5.30 $ 3.67 Diluted EPS Net earnings attributable to AbbVie Inc. $ 4,616 $ 7,882 $ 5,687 Earnings allocated to participating securities 60 40 30 Earnings available to common shareholders $ 4,556 $ 7,842 $ 5,657 Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 1,667 1,481 1,541 Effect of dilutive securities 6 3 5 Weighted average diluted shares of common stock outstanding 1,673 1,484 1,546 Diluted earnings per share attributable to AbbVie Inc. $ 2.72 $ 5.28 $ 3.66

Licensing, Acquisitions, and _2

Licensing, Acquisitions, and Other Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Licensing, Acquisitions, and Other Arrangements
Schedule of consideration for the acquisition of Allergan	Total consideration for the acquisition of Allergan is summarized as follows: (in millions) Cash consideration paid to Allergan shareholders (a) $ 39,675 Fair value of AbbVie common stock issued to Allergan shareholders (b) 23,979 Fair value of AbbVie equity awards issued to Allergan equity award holders (c) 430 Total consideration $ 64,084 (a) Represents cash consideration transferred of $120.30 per outstanding Allergan ordinary share based on 330 million Allergan ordinary shares outstanding at closing. (b) Represents the acquisition date fair value of 286 million shares of AbbVie common stock issued to Allergan shareholders based on the exchange ratio of 0.8660 AbbVie shares for each outstanding Allergan ordinary share at the May 8, 2020 closing price of $83.96 per share. (c) Represents the pre-acquisition service portion of the fair value of 11 million AbbVie stock options and 8 million RSUs issued to Allergan equity award holders.
Schedule of fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes the preliminary fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date: (in millions) Assets acquired and liabilities assumed Cash and equivalents $ 1,537 Short-term investments 1,421 Accounts receivable 2,374 Inventories 2,340 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,982 Investments 137 Property and equipment 2,127 Intangible assets Developed product rights 67,330 In-process research and development 1,750 Other noncurrent assets 1,395 Short-term borrowings (60) Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations (1,899) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (5,852) Long-term debt and finance lease obligations (18,937) Deferred income taxes (3,792) Other long-term liabilities (4,765) Total identifiable net assets 47,088 Goodwill 16,996 Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 64,084
Schedule of unaudited pro forma combined results	The following table presents the unaudited pro forma combined results of AbbVie and Allergan for 2020 and 2019 as if the acquisition of Allergan had occurred on January 1, 2019: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Net revenues $ 50,521 $ 49,028 Net earnings (loss) 6,746 (38)

Collaborations (Tables)

Collaborations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Janssen Biotech, Inc
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Schedule of profit and cost sharing relationship	The following table shows the profit and cost sharing relationship between Janssen and AbbVie: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 United States - Janssen's share of profits (included in cost of products sold) $ 2,012 $ 1,803 $ 1,372 International - AbbVie's share of profits (included in net revenues) 1,009 844 622 Global - AbbVie's share of other costs (included in respective line items) 295 321 326
Genentech, Inc.
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Schedule of profit and cost sharing relationship	The following table shows the profit and cost sharing relationship between Genentech and AbbVie: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Genentech's share of profits, including royalties (included in cost of products sold) $ 533 $ 320 $ 141 AbbVie's share of sales and marketing costs from U.S. collaboration (included in SG&A) 46 41 27 AbbVie's share of development costs (included in R&D) 129 128 160

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill: (in millions) Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 15,663 Foreign currency translation adjustments (59) Balance as of December 31, 2019 15,604 Additions (a) 17,008 Foreign currency translation adjustments 512 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 33,124
Schedule of definite-lived intangible assets	The following table summarizes intangible assets: 2020 2019 as of December 31 (in millions) Gross Accumulated Net Gross Accumulated Net Definite-lived intangible assets Developed product rights $ 87,707 $ (11,620) $ 76,087 $ 19,547 $ (6,405) $ 13,142 License agreements 7,828 (2,916) 4,912 7,798 (2,291) 5,507 Total definite-lived intangible assets 95,535 (14,536) 80,999 27,345 (8,696) 18,649 Indefinite-lived research and development 1,877 — 1,877 — — — Total intangible assets, net $ 97,412 $ (14,536) $ 82,876 $ 27,345 $ (8,696) $ 18,649
Schedule of indefinite-lived intangible assets	The following table summarizes intangible assets: 2020 2019 as of December 31 (in millions) Gross Accumulated Net Gross Accumulated Net Definite-lived intangible assets Developed product rights $ 87,707 $ (11,620) $ 76,087 $ 19,547 $ (6,405) $ 13,142 License agreements 7,828 (2,916) 4,912 7,798 (2,291) 5,507 Total definite-lived intangible assets 95,535 (14,536) 80,999 27,345 (8,696) 18,649 Indefinite-lived research and development 1,877 — 1,877 — — — Total intangible assets, net $ 97,412 $ (14,536) $ 82,876 $ 27,345 $ (8,696) $ 18,649
Schedule of anticipated annual amortization expense	The anticipated annual amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets recorded as of December 31, 2020 is as follows: (in billions) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Anticipated annual amortization expense $ 7.7 $ 7.2 $ 7.5 $ 8.0 $ 8.4

Integration and Restructuring_2

Integration and Restructuring Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Allergan integration plan
Restructuring charges
Summary of charges associated with integration plan	The following table summarizes the charges associated with the Allergan acquisition integration plan: 2020 year ended December 31 (in millions) Severance and employee benefits Other integration Cost of products sold $ 109 $ 21 Research and development 199 177 Selling, general and administrative 388 237 Total charges $ 696 $ 435
Summary of cash activity in the restructuring reserve	The following table summarizes the cash activity in the recorded liability associated with the integration plan: 2020 year ended December 31 (in millions) Severance and employee benefits Other integration Charges $ 594 $ 435 Payments and other adjustments (227) (415) Accrued balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 367 $ 20
Other restructuring
Restructuring charges
Summary of cash activity in the restructuring reserve	The following table summarizes the cash activity in the restructuring reserve for 2020, 2019 and 2018: (in millions) Accrued balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 86 2018 restructuring charges 59 Payments and other adjustments (46) Accrued balance as of December 31, 2018 99 2019 restructuring charges 219 Payments and other adjustments (178) Accrued balance as of December 31, 2019 140 2020 restructuring charges 58 Payments and other adjustments (108) Accrued balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 90

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Summary of amounts and location of operating and finance leases on the consolidated balance sheets	The following table summarizes the amounts and location of operating and finance leases on the consolidated balance sheets: as of December 31 (in millions) Balance sheet caption 2020 2019 Assets Operating Other assets $ 895 $ 344 Finance Property and equipment, net 27 23 Total lease assets $ 922 $ 367 Liabilities Operating Current Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 175 $ 109 Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities 832 251 Finance Current Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations 8 7 Noncurrent Long-term debt and finance lease obligations 21 20 Total lease liabilities $ 1,036 $ 387
Summary of lease costs recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings	The following table summarizes the lease costs recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Operating lease cost $ 192 $ 124 Short-term lease cost 59 34 Variable lease cost 60 62 Total lease cost $ 311 $ 220
Schedule of weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rate for operating and finance leases	The following table presents the weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rate for operating and finance leases: December 31, December 31, Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating 8 5 Finance 3 3 Weighted-average discount rate Operating 2.5 % 3.9 % Finance 1.4 % 3.9 %
Schedule of supplementary cash flow information regarding the company's leases	The following table presents supplementary cash flow information regarding the company's leases: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 185 $ 125 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 692 26
Summary of future maturities of AbbVie's operating lease liabilities	The following table summarizes the future maturities of AbbVie's operating and finance lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020: (in millions) Operating Finance Total (a) 2021 $ 202 $ 27 $ 229 2022 178 3 181 2023 140 2 142 2024 111 1 112 2025 96 — 96 Thereafter 394 — 394 Total lease payments 1,121 33 1,154 Less: Interest 114 4 118 Present value of lease liabilities $ 1,007 $ 29 $ 1,036 (a) Lease payments recognized as part of lease liabilities for optional renewal periods are insignificant.
Summary of future maturities of AbbVie's finance lease liabilities	The following table summarizes the future maturities of AbbVie's operating and finance lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020: (in millions) Operating Finance Total (a) 2021 $ 202 $ 27 $ 229 2022 178 3 181 2023 140 2 142 2024 111 1 112 2025 96 — 96 Thereafter 394 — 394 Total lease payments 1,121 33 1,154 Less: Interest 114 4 118 Present value of lease liabilities $ 1,007 $ 29 $ 1,036 (a) Lease payments recognized as part of lease liabilities for optional renewal periods are insignificant.

Debt, Credit Facilities, and _2

Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies
Summary of long-term debt	The following table summarizes long-term debt: as of December 31 (dollars in millions) Effective interest rate in 2020 (a) 2020 Effective interest rate in 2019 (a) 2019 Senior notes issued in 2012 2.90% notes due 2022 2.97 % $ 3,100 2.97 % $ 3,100 4.40% notes due 2042 4.46 % 2,600 4.46 % 2,600 Senior notes issued in 2015 2.50% notes due 2020 2.65 % — 2.65 % 3,750 3.20% notes due 2022 3.28 % 1,000 3.28 % 1,000 3.60% notes due 2025 3.66 % 3,750 3.66 % 3,750 4.50% notes due 2035 4.58 % 2,500 4.58 % 2,500 4.70% notes due 2045 4.73 % 2,700 4.73 % 2,700 Senior notes issued in 2016 2.30% notes due 2021 2.40 % 1,800 2.40 % 1,800 2.85% notes due 2023 2.91 % 1,000 2.91 % 1,000 3.20% notes due 2026 3.28 % 2,000 3.28 % 2,000 4.30% notes due 2036 4.37 % 1,000 4.37 % 1,000 4.45% notes due 2046 4.50 % 2,000 4.50 % 2,000 Senior Euro notes issued in 2016 1.375% notes due 2024 (€1,450 principal) 1.46 % 1,783 1.46 % 1,625 2.125% notes due 2028 (€750 principal) 2.18 % 922 2.18 % 840 Senior notes issued in 2018 3.375% notes due 2021 3.51 % 1,250 3.51 % 1,250 3.75% notes due 2023 3.84 % 1,250 3.84 % 1,250 4.25% notes due 2028 4.38 % 1,750 4.38 % 1,750 4.875% notes due 2048 4.94 % 1,750 4.94 % 1,750 Senior Euro notes issued in 2019 0.75% notes due 2027 (€750 principal) 0.86 % 922 0.86 % 840 1.25% notes due 2031 (€650 principal) 1.30 % 799 1.30 % 728 Senior notes issued in 2019 Floating rate notes due May 2021 1.33 % 750 2.08 % 750 Floating rate notes due November 2021 1.42 % 750 2.12 % 750 Floating rate notes due 2022 1.62 % 750 2.29 % 750 2.15% notes due 2021 2.23 % 1,750 2.23 % 1,750 2.30% notes due 2022 2.42 % 3,000 2.42 % 3,000 2.60% notes due 2024 2.69 % 3,750 2.69 % 3,750 2.95% notes due 2026 3.02 % 4,000 3.02 % 4,000 3.20% notes due 2029 3.25 % 5,500 3.25 % 5,500 4.05% notes due 2039 4.11 % 4,000 4.11 % 4,000 4.25% notes due 2049 4.29 % 5,750 4.29 % 5,750 Term loan facilities Floating rate notes due 2023 1.29 % 1,000 — % — Floating rate notes due 2025 1.42 % 2,000 — % — Senior notes acquired in 2020 5.000% notes due 2021 1.59 % 1,200 — % — 3.450% notes due 2022 1.89 % 2,878 — % — 3.250% notes due 2022 1.85 % 1,700 — % — 2.800% notes due 2023 2.08 % 350 — % — 3.850% notes due 2024 1.98 % 1,032 — % — 3.800% notes due 2025 2.00 % 3,021 — % — 4.550% notes due 2035 3.43 % 1,789 — % — 4.625% notes due 2042 3.93 % 457 — % — 4.850% notes due 2044 4.02 % 1,074 — % — 4.750% notes due 2045 4.13 % 881 — % — as of December 31 (dollars in millions) Effective interest rate in 2020 (a) 2020 Effective interest rate in 2019 (a) 2019 Senior Euro notes acquired in 2020 0.500% notes due 2021 (€750 principal) 0.68 % 922 — % — 1.500% notes due 2023 (€500 principal) 0.48 % 615 — % — 1.250% notes due 2024 (€700 principal) 0.64 % 861 — % — 2.625% notes due 2028 (€500 principal) 1.18 % 615 — % — 2.125% notes due 2029 (€550 principal) 1.18 % 677 — % — Other 29 27 Fair value hedges 278 (48) Unamortized bond discounts (146) (161) Unamortized deferred financing costs (287) (323) Unamortized bond premiums (b) 1,200 — Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations 86,022 66,728 Current portion 8,468 3,753 Noncurrent portion $ 77,554 $ 62,975 (a) Excludes the effect of any related interest rate swaps. (b) Represents unamortized purchase price adjustments of Allergan debt.
Summary of maturities of long-term debt	The following table summarizes AbbVie's debt maturities as of December 31, 2020: as of and for the years ending December 31 (in millions) 2021 $ 8,422 2022 12,428 2023 4,215 2024 7,426 2025 8,771 Thereafter 43,686 Total obligations and commitments 84,948 Fair value hedges, unamortized bond premiums and discounts, deferred financing costs and finance 1,074 Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations $ 86,022

Financial Instruments and Fai_2

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of amounts and location of derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets	The following table summarizes the amounts and location of AbbVie's derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets: Fair value - Derivatives in asset position Fair value - as of December 31 (in millions) Balance sheet caption 2020 2019 Balance sheet caption 2020 2019 Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Designated as cash flow hedges Prepaid expenses and other $ 2 $ 3 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 82 $ 14 Designated as cash flow hedges Other assets — — Other long-term liabilities 6 — Designated as net investment hedges Prepaid expenses and other — — Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 11 24 Not designated as hedges Prepaid expenses and other 49 19 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 33 18 Interest rate swap contracts Designated as cash flow hedges Prepaid expenses and other — — Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 14 — Designated as cash flow hedges Other assets — 3 Other long-term liabilities 20 — Designated as fair value hedges Prepaid expenses and other 7 — Accounts payable and accrued liabilities — 2 Designated as fair value hedges Other assets 131 28 Other long-term liabilities — 74 Total derivatives $ 189 $ 53 $ 166 $ 132
Schedule of pre-tax amounts of derivatives recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	The following table presents the pre-tax amounts of gains (losses) from derivative instruments recognized in other comprehensive income (loss): years ended in December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Designated as cash flow hedges $ (71) $ (5) $ 175 Designated as net investment hedges (95) 33 — Interest rate swap contracts designated as cash flow hedges (53) 4 — Treasury rate lock agreements designated as cash flow hedges — 383 —
Summary of pre-tax amounts and location of derivatives recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings	The following table summarizes the pre-tax amounts and location of derivative instrument net gains (losses) recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings, including the net gains (losses) reclassified out of AOCI into net earnings. See Note 13 for the amount of net gains (losses) reclassified out of AOCI. years ended December 31 (in millions) Statement of earnings caption 2020 2019 2018 Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Designated as cash flow hedges Cost of products sold $ 23 $ 167 $ (161) Designated as net investment hedges Interest expense, net 18 27 — Not designated as hedges Net foreign exchange loss 58 (70) 83 Treasury rate lock agreements designated as cash flow hedges Interest expense, net 24 3 — Interest rate swap contracts Designated as cash flow hedges Interest expense, net (17) 1 — Designated as fair value hedges Interest expense, net 365 418 (71) Debt designated as hedged item in fair value hedges Interest expense, net (365) (418) 71
Summary of bases used to measure assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis	The following table summarizes the bases used to measure certain assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020: Basis of fair value measurement (in millions) Total Quoted prices in active markets for Significant other observable Significant unobservable inputs Assets Cash and equivalents $ 8,449 $ 2,758 $ 5,691 $ — Money market funds and time deposits 12 — 12 — Debt securities 50 — 50 — Equity securities 159 149 10 — Interest rate swap contracts 138 — 138 — Foreign currency contracts 51 — 51 — Total assets $ 8,859 $ 2,907 $ 5,952 $ — Liabilities Interest rate swap contracts $ 34 $ — $ 34 $ — Foreign currency contracts 132 — 132 — Contingent consideration 12,997 — — 12,997 Total liabilities $ 13,163 $ — $ 166 $ 12,997 The following table summarizes the bases used to measure certain assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019: Basis of fair value measurement (in millions) Total Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable Significant unobservable inputs Assets Cash and equivalents $ 39,924 $ 1,542 $ 38,382 $ — Debt securities 3 — 3 — Equity securities 24 24 — — Interest rate swap contracts 31 — 31 — Foreign currency contracts 22 — 22 — Total assets $ 40,004 $ 1,566 $ 38,438 $ — Liabilities Interest rate swap contracts $ 76 $ — $ 76 $ — Foreign currency contracts 56 — 56 — Contingent consideration 7,340 — — 7,340 Total liabilities $ 7,472 $ — $ 132 $ 7,340
Summary of significant level 3 unobservable inputs	The fair value of the company's contingent consideration liabilities as of December 31, 2020 was calculated using the following significant unobservable inputs: Range Weighted Average (a) Discount rate 0.1% - 2.2% 1.1% Probability of payment for unachieved milestones 56% - 92% 64% Probability of payment for royalties by indication (b) 56% - 100% 91% Projected year of payments 2021 - 2034 2027 (a) Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities.
Summary of changes in fair value of Level 3 inputs	The following table presents the changes in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities which are measured using Level 3 inputs: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Beginning balance $ 7,340 $ 4,483 $ 4,534 Additions (a) 225 — — Change in fair value recognized in net earnings 5,753 3,091 49 Payments (321) (234) (100) Ending balance $ 12,997 $ 7,340 $ 4,483
Schedule of book values, approximate fair values and bases used to measure certain financial instruments	The book values, approximate fair values and bases used to measure the approximate fair values of certain financial instruments as of December 31, 2020 are shown in the table below: Basis of fair value measurement (in millions) Book value Approximate fair values Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Liabilities Short-term borrowings $ 34 $ 34 $ — $ 34 $ — Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges 8,461 8,542 8,249 293 — Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges 77,283 87,761 86,137 1,624 — Total liabilities $ 85,778 $ 96,337 $ 94,386 $ 1,951 $ — The book values, approximate fair values and bases used to measure the approximate fair values of certain financial instruments as of December 31, 2019 are shown in the table below: Basis of fair value measurement (in millions) Book value Approximate fair values Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Liabilities Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges $ 3,755 $ 3,760 $ 3,753 $ 7 $ — Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges 63,021 66,651 66,631 20 — Total liabilities $ 66,776 $ 70,411 $ 70,384 $ 27 $ —

Post-Employment Benefits (Table

Post-Employment Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of benefit plan information	The following table summarizes benefit plan information for the global AbbVie-sponsored defined benefit and other post-employment plans: Defined benefit plans Other post-employment plans as of and for the years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Projected benefit obligations Beginning of period $ 8,646 $ 6,618 $ 1,050 $ 561 Service cost 370 269 42 25 Interest cost 264 259 34 29 Employee contributions 2 2 — — Amendments — — (397) — Actuarial loss 1,105 1,703 40 451 Benefits paid (249) (206) (17) (17) Acquisition 1,409 — 43 — Other, primarily foreign currency translation adjustments 245 1 — 1 End of period 11,792 8,646 795 1,050 Fair value of plan assets Beginning of period 7,116 5,637 — — Actual return on plan assets 979 946 — — Company contributions 367 727 17 17 Employee contributions 2 2 — — Benefits paid (249) (206) (17) (17) Acquisition 1,296 — — — Other, primarily foreign currency translation adjustments 191 10 — — End of period 9,702 7,116 — — Funded status, end of period $ (2,090) $ (1,530) $ (795) $ (1,050) Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets Other assets $ 563 $ 395 $ — $ — Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (12) (8) (23) (18) Other long-term liabilities (2,641) (1,917) (772) (1,032) Net obligation $ (2,090) $ (1,530) $ (795) $ (1,050) Actuarial loss, net $ 4,163 $ 3,633 $ 482 $ 469 Prior service cost (credit) 8 10 (408) (16) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 4,171 $ 3,643 $ 74 $ 453
Information For Pension Plans With An Accumulated Benefit Obligation In Excess Of Plan Assets	Information For Pension Plans With An Accumulated Benefit Obligation In Excess Of Plan Assets as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 7,527 $ 5,752 Fair value of plan assets 6,066 4,820
Information For Pension Plans With A Projected Benefit Obligation In Excess Of Plan Assets	Information For Pension Plans With A Projected Benefit Obligation In Excess Of Plan Assets as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Projected benefit obligation $ 8,719 $ 6,820 Fair value of plan assets 6,066 4,895
Summary of pretax gains and losses included in other comprehensive income (loss)	The following table summarizes the pre-tax losses (gains) included in other comprehensive income (loss): years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Defined benefit plans Actuarial loss $ 701 $ 1,231 $ 209 Amortization of prior service cost (2) — — Amortization of actuarial loss (227) (109) (140) Foreign exchange loss (gain) and other 56 (6) (13) Total loss $ 528 $ 1,116 $ 56 Other post-employment plans Actuarial loss (gain) $ 40 $ 451 $ (287) Prior service cost (credit) (397) — — Amortization of prior service credit 4 — — Amortization of actuarial loss (26) (1) (1) Total loss (gain) $ (379) $ 450 $ (288)
Summary of net periodic benefit cost relating to the company's defined benefit and other post-employment plans	Net Periodic Benefit Cost years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Defined benefit plans Service cost $ 370 $ 269 $ 285 Interest cost 264 259 227 Expected return on plan assets (575) (474) (439) Amortization of prior service cost 2 — — Amortization of actuarial loss 227 109 140 Net periodic benefit cost $ 288 $ 163 $ 213 Other post-employment plans Service cost $ 42 $ 25 $ 26 Interest cost 34 29 25 Amortization of prior service credit (4) — — Amortization of actuarial loss 26 1 1 Net periodic benefit cost $ 98 $ 55 $ 52
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used in determining benefit obligations at the measurement date	Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Determining Benefit Obligations at the Measurement Date as of December 31 2020 2019 Defined benefit plans Discount rate 2.4 % 3.0 % Rate of compensation increases 4.6 % 4.6 % Cash balance interest crediting rate 2.8 % 2.8 % Other post-employment plans Discount rate 2.8 % 3.6 %
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit cost	Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Determining Net Periodic Benefit Cost years ended December 31 2020 2019 2018 Defined benefit plans Discount rate for determining service cost 3.1 % 4.0 % 3.4 % Discount rate for determining interest cost 3.0 % 4.0 % 3.1 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.1 % 7.6 % 7.7 % Expected rate of change in compensation 4.6 % 4.6 % 4.4 % Cash balance interest crediting rate 2.8 % 2.8 % 2.8 % Other post-employment plans Discount rate for determining service cost 3.7 % 4.7 % 4.0 % Discount rate for determining interest cost 3.2 % 4.3 % 3.7 %
Schedule of defined benefit pension plan assets	Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets Basis of fair value measurement as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Equities U.S. large cap (a) $ 1,143 $ 1,143 $ — $ — U.S. mid cap (b) 164 164 — — International (c) 524 524 — — Fixed income securities U.S. government securities (d) 132 18 114 — Corporate debt instruments (d) 854 178 676 — Non-U.S. government securities (d) 544 397 147 — Other (d) 297 294 3 — Absolute return funds (e) 310 4 306 — Real assets 10 10 — — Other (f) 252 250 2 — Total $ 4,230 $ 2,982 $ 1,248 $ — Total assets measured at NAV 5,472 Fair value of plan assets $ 9,702 Basis of fair value measurement as of December 31 (in millions) 2019 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets Significant other observable inputs Significant unobservable inputs Equities U.S. large cap (a) $ 884 $ 884 $ — $ — U.S. mid cap (b) 138 138 — — International (c) 349 349 — — Fixed income securities U.S. government securities (d) 149 21 128 — Corporate debt instruments (d) 372 112 260 — Non-U.S. government securities (d) 202 84 118 — Other (d) 320 318 2 — Absolute return funds (e) 296 4 292 — Real assets 9 9 — — Other (f) 132 132 — — Total $ 2,851 $ 2,051 $ 800 $ — Total assets measured at NAV 4,265 Fair value of plan assets $ 7,116 (a) A mix of index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various large cap indices. (b) A mix of index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various mid cap indices. (c) A mix of index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various non-U.S. equity indices in both developed and emerging markets. (d) Securities held by actively managed accounts, index funds and mutual funds. (e) Primarily funds having global mandates with the flexibility to allocate capital broadly across a wide range of asset classes and strategies, including but not limited to equities, fixed income, commodities, financial futures, currencies and other securities, with objectives to outperform agreed upon benchmarks of specific return and volatility targets. (f) Investments in cash and cash equivalents.
Schedule of expected benefit payments	Expected Benefit Payments The following table summarizes total benefit payments expected to be paid to plan participants including payments funded from both plan and company assets: years ending December 31 (in millions) Defined Other 2021 $ 284 $ 23 2022 301 29 2023 319 31 2024 339 33 2025 362 36 2026 to 2030 2,169 217

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of share-based compensation expense	Stock-based compensation expense is principally related to awards issued pursuant to the 2013 ISP and is summarized as follows: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Cost of products sold $ 47 $ 29 $ 27 Research and development 247 171 169 Selling, general and administrative 459 230 225 Pre-tax compensation expense 753 430 421 Tax benefit 131 80 73 After-tax compensation expense $ 622 $ 350 $ 348
Summary of AbbVie stock option activity	The following table summarizes AbbVie stock option activity in 2020: (options in thousands, aggregate intrinsic value in millions) Options Weighted- average Weighted-average remaining Aggregate intrinsic value Outstanding at December 31, 2019 6,761 $ 60.39 5.9 $ 207 Granted 1,995 93.50 Granted in acquisition 11,152 70.48 Exercised (4,129) 51.29 Lapsed (88) 107.33 Outstanding at December 31, 2020 15,691 $ 73.90 4.7 $ 559 Exercisable at December 31, 2020 12,440 $ 69.99 3.6 $ 498
Summary of AbbVie RSA and RSU activity	The following table summarizes AbbVie RSU and performance share activity for 2020: (share units in thousands) Share units Weighted-average grant date fair value Outstanding at December 31, 2019 10,232 $ 81.72 Granted 5,524 92.35 Granted in acquisition 8,234 83.96 Vested (6,667) 80.09 Forfeited (1,405) 84.13 Outstanding at December 31, 2020 15,918 $ 87.03
Summary of quarterly cash dividends	The following table summarizes quarterly cash dividends declared during 2020, 2019 and 2018: 2020 2019 2018 Date Declared Payment Date Dividend Per Share Date Declared Payment Date Dividend Per Share Date Declared Payment Date Dividend Per Share 10/30/20 02/16/21 $1.30 11/01/19 02/14/20 $1.18 11/02/18 02/15/19 $1.07 09/11/20 11/16/20 $1.18 09/06/19 11/15/19 $1.07 09/07/18 11/15/18 $0.96 06/17/20 08/14/20 $1.18 06/20/19 08/15/19 $1.07 06/14/18 08/15/18 $0.96 02/20/20 05/15/20 $1.18 02/21/19 05/15/19 $1.07 02/15/18 05/15/18 $0.96
Summary of changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	The following table summarizes the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for 2020, 2019 and 2018: (in millions) (brackets denote losses) Foreign currency translation adjustments Net investment hedging activities Pension Marketable security activities Cash flow hedging activities Total Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ (439) $ (203) $ (1,919) $ — $ (166) $ (2,727) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (391) 138 84 (14) 156 (27) Net losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — — 113 4 157 274 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (391) 138 197 (10) 313 247 Balance as of December 31, 2018 (830) (65) (1,722) (10) 147 (2,480) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (98) 95 (1,330) 12 298 (1,023) Net losses (gains) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (21) 87 (2) (157) (93) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (98) 74 (1,243) 10 141 (1,116) Balance as of December 31, 2019 (928) 9 (2,965) — 288 (3,596) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 1,511 (785) (300) — (108) 318 Net losses (gains) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (14) 198 — (23) 161 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 1,511 (799) (102) — (131) 479 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 583 $ (790) $ (3,067) $ — $ 157 $ (3,117)
Schedule of the impact of significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss	The table below presents the impact on AbbVie's consolidated statements of earnings for significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss: years ended December 31 (in millions) (brackets denote gains) 2020 2019 2018 Net investment hedging activities Gains on derivative amount excluded from effectiveness testing (a) $ (18) $ (27) $ — Tax expense 4 6 — Total reclassifications, net of tax $ (14) $ (21) $ — Pension and post-employment benefits Amortization of actuarial losses and other (b) $ 251 $ 110 $ 141 Tax benefit (53) (23) (28) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 198 $ 87 $ 113 Cash flow hedging activities Losses (gains) on foreign currency forward exchange contracts (c) $ (23) $ (167) $ 161 Gains on treasury rate lock agreements (a) (24) (3) — Losses (gains) on interest rate swap contracts (a) 17 (1) — Tax expense (benefit) 7 14 (4) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ (23) $ (157) $ 157 (a) Amounts are included in interest expense, net (see Note 11). (b) Amounts are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 12). (c) Amounts are included in cost of products sold (see Note 11).

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of earnings before income tax expense	Earnings Before Income Tax Expense years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Domestic $ (4,467) $ (2,784) $ (4,274) Foreign 7,865 11,210 9,471 Total earnings before income tax expense $ 3,398 $ 8,426 $ 5,197
Schedule of income tax expense	Income Tax Expense years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Current Domestic $ 907 $ 102 $ 593 Foreign 194 320 434 Total current taxes $ 1,101 $ 422 $ 1,027 Deferred Domestic $ (58) $ (137) $ (1,497) Foreign (2,267) 259 (20) Total deferred taxes $ (2,325) $ 122 $ (1,517) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ (1,224) $ 544 $ (490)
Summary of effective tax rate reconciliation	Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation years ended December 31 2020 2019 2018 Statutory tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % Effect of foreign operations 2.4 (8.4) (28.7) U.S. tax credits (10.6) (3.3) (7.3) Impacts related to U.S. tax reform (1.1) (1.6) 8.2 Non-deductible expenses 7.2 1.0 1.2 Tax law changes and related restructuring (48.5) 3.1 — Stock-based compensation excess tax benefit (0.9) (0.2) (1.5) Tax audit settlements (5.1) (4.7) (2.5) All other, net (0.4) (0.4) 0.2 Effective tax rate (36.0) % 6.5 % (9.4) %
Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities	Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 Deferred tax assets Compensation and employee benefits $ 1,109 $ 810 Accruals and reserves 438 371 Chargebacks and rebates 555 477 Advance payments 324 615 Net operating losses and other credit carryforwards 2,765 838 Other 1,371 406 Total deferred tax assets 6,562 3,517 Valuation allowances (1,203) (731) Total net deferred tax assets 5,359 2,786 Deferred tax liabilities Excess of book basis over tax basis of intangible assets (5,274) (2,712) Excess of book basis over tax basis in investments (335) (249) Other (982) (440) Total deferred tax liabilities (6,591) (3,401) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (1,232) $ (615)
Schedule of unrecognized tax benefits	Unrecognized Tax Benefits years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Beginning balance $ 2,661 $ 2,852 $ 2,701 Increase due to acquisition 2,674 — — Increase due to current year tax positions 91 113 163 Increase due to prior year tax positions 59 499 110 Decrease due to prior year tax positions (7) (21) (36) Settlements (141) (749) (79) Lapse of statutes of limitations (73) (33) (7) Ending balance $ 5,264 $ 2,661 $ 2,852

Segment and Geographic Area I_2

Segment and Geographic Area Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of net revenues by product	The following tables detail AbbVie's worldwide net revenues: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Immunology Humira United States $ 16,112 $ 14,864 $ 13,685 International 3,720 4,305 6,251 Total $ 19,832 $ 19,169 $ 19,936 Skyrizi United States $ 1,385 $ 311 $ — International 205 44 — Total $ 1,590 $ 355 $ — Rinvoq United States $ 653 $ 47 $ — International 78 — — Total $ 731 $ 47 $ — Hematologic Oncology Imbruvica United States $ 4,305 $ 3,830 $ 2,968 Collaboration revenues 1,009 844 622 Total $ 5,314 $ 4,674 $ 3,590 Venclexta United States $ 804 $ 521 $ 247 International 533 271 97 Total $ 1,337 $ 792 $ 344 Aesthetics Botox Cosmetic (a) United States $ 687 $ — $ — International 425 — — Total $ 1,112 $ — $ — Juvederm Collection (a) United States $ 318 $ — $ — International 400 — — Total $ 718 $ — $ — Other Aesthetics (a) United States $ 666 $ — $ — International 94 — — Total $ 760 $ — $ — Neuroscience Botox Therapeutic (a) United States $ 1,155 $ — $ — International 232 — — Total $ 1,387 $ — $ — Vraylar (a) United States $ 951 $ — $ — Duodopa United States $ 103 $ 97 $ 80 International 391 364 350 Total $ 494 $ 461 $ 430 Ubrelvy (a) United States $ 125 $ — $ — Other Neuroscience (a) United States $ 528 $ — $ — International 11 — — Total $ 539 $ — $ — years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Eye Care Lumigan/Ganfort (a) United States $ 165 $ — $ — International 213 — — Total $ 378 $ — $ — Alphagan/Combigan (a) United States $ 223 $ — $ — International 103 — — Total $ 326 $ — $ — Restasis (a) United States $ 755 $ — $ — International 32 — — Total $ 787 $ — $ — Other Eye Care (a) United States $ 305 $ — $ — International 388 — — Total $ 693 $ — $ — Women's Health Lo Loestrin (a) United States $ 346 $ — $ — International 10 — — Total $ 356 $ — $ — Orilissa/Oriahnn United States $ 121 $ 91 $ 11 International 4 2 — Total $ 125 $ 93 $ 11 Other Women's Health (a) United States $ 181 $ — $ — International 11 — — Total $ 192 $ — $ — Other Key Products Mavyret United States $ 785 $ 1,473 $ 1,614 International 1,045 1,420 1,824 Total $ 1,830 $ 2,893 $ 3,438 Creon United States $ 1,114 $ 1,041 $ 928 Lupron United States $ 600 $ 720 $ 726 International 152 167 166 Total $ 752 $ 887 $ 892 Linzess/Constella (a) United States $ 649 $ — $ — International 18 — — Total $ 667 $ — $ — Synthroid United States $ 771 $ 786 $ 776 All other $ 2,923 $ 2,068 $ 2,408 Total net revenues $ 45,804 $ 33,266 $ 32,753
Schedule of net revenues to external customers by geographic area	Net revenues to external customers by geographic area, based on product shipment destination, were as follows: years ended December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 United States $ 34,879 $ 23,907 $ 21,524 Japan 1,198 1,211 1,591 Canada 1,159 813 730 Germany 1,049 909 1,292 France 797 695 783 Australia 527 395 350 United Kingdom 509 372 855 China 471 195 152 Spain 453 472 611 Brazil 406 359 350 Italy 379 372 652 All other countries 3,977 3,566 3,863 Total net revenues $ 45,804 $ 33,266 $ 32,753
Schedule of long-lived assets by geographic area	Long-lived assets, primarily net property and equipment, by geographic area were as follows: as of December 31 (in millions) 2020 2019 United States and Puerto Rico $ 3,354 $ 2,026 Europe 1,534 646 All other 360 290 Total long-lived assets $ 5,248 $ 2,962

Fourth Quarter Financial Resu_2

Fourth Quarter Financial Results (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of fourth quarter financial results	quarter ended December 31 (in millions except per share data) 2020 Net revenues $ 13,858 Gross margin 9,174 Net earnings attributable to AbbVie Inc. (a) 36 Basic earnings per share attributable to AbbVie Inc. $ 0.01 Diluted earnings per share attributable to AbbVie Inc. $ 0.01 Cash dividends declared per common share $ 1.30 (a) Fourth quarter results in 2020 included after-tax charges of $4.7 billion related to the change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities partially offset by an after-tax benefit of $1.5 billion due to impacts related to tax law changes.

Background and Basis of Prese_2

Background and Basis of Presentation (Details)	Jan. 01, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Percentage of outstanding common stock distributed to Abbott shareholders	100.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Advertising expenses	$ 1,800	$ 1,100	$ 1,100
Amortization period of differences between the expected and actual return on plan assets	5 years
Allowance for credit losses	$ 262

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 1,318	$ 485
Work-in-process	1,201	942
Raw materials	791	386
Inventories	$ 3,310	$ 1,813

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 10,859	$ 8,188
Less accumulated depreciation	(5,611)	(5,226)
Property and equipment, net	5,248	2,962
Depreciation expense	666	464	$ 471
Land
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	288	72
Buildings
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 2,555	1,613
Buildings | Minimum
Property and Equipment
Estimated useful lives	10 years
Buildings | Maximum
Property and Equipment
Estimated useful lives	50 years
Equipment
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 6,976	6,012
Equipment | Minimum
Property and Equipment
Estimated useful lives	2 years
Amortization period of software costs included in equipment	3 years
Equipment | Maximum
Property and Equipment
Estimated useful lives	25 years
Amortization period of software costs included in equipment	10 years
Construction in progress
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,040	$ 491

Supplemental Financial Inform_3

Supplemental Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense	$ 2,454	$ 1,784	$ 1,348
Interest income	(174)	(275)	(204)
Interest expense, net	2,280	1,509	$ 1,144
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Sales rebates	7,188	4,484
Dividends payable	2,335	1,771
Accounts payable	2,276	1,452
Salaries, wages and commissions	1,669	830
Royalty and license arrangements	483	324
Other	6,208	2,971
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	20,159	11,832
Other Long-Term Liabilities
Contingent consideration liabilities	12,289	7,201
Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits	5,680	2,772
Income taxes payable	3,847	3,453
Pension and other post-employment benefits	3,413	2,949
Other	2,378	1,222
Other long-term liabilities	$ 27,607	$ 17,597

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Basic EPS
Net earnings attributable to AbbVie Inc.	$ 36	[1]	$ 4,616	$ 7,882	$ 5,687
Earnings allocated to participating securities			60	40	30
Earnings available to common shareholders			$ 4,556	$ 7,842	$ 5,657
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding (in shares)			1,667	1,481	1,541
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01		$ 2.73	$ 5.30	$ 3.67
Diluted EPS
Net earnings attributable to AbbVie Inc.	$ 36	[1]	$ 4,616	$ 7,882	$ 5,687
Earnings allocated to participating securities			60	40	30
Earnings available to common shareholders			$ 4,556	$ 7,842	$ 5,657
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding (in shares)			1,667	1,481	1,541
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)			6	3	5
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)			1,673	1,484	1,546
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01		$ 2.72	$ 5.28	$ 3.66
[1]	Fourth quarter results in 2020 included after-tax charges of $4.7 billion related to the change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities partially offset by an after-tax benefit of $1.5 billion due to impacts related to tax law changes.

Licensing, Acquisitions, and _3

Licensing, Acquisitions, and Other Arrangements - Acquisition of Allergan (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		May 08, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition
Closing price of AbbVie common stock (in dollars per share)		$ 83.96
Amortization of intangible assets				$ 5,805	$ 1,553	$ 1,294
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
Goodwill			$ 33,124	33,124	15,604	$ 15,663
Allergan plc
Business Acquisition
Cash per share received by Allergan shareholders (in dollars per share)		$ 120.30
Amount of AbbVie stock per share received by Allergan shareholders (in shares)		0.8660
Allergan ordinary shares outstanding at closing (in shares)		330,000,000
Shares of AbbVie's common stock issued to Allergan shareholders (in shares)		286,000,000
Stock options issued to Allergan's equity award holders (in shares)		11,200,000
Business Combination, Number of RSUs Issued to Equity Award Holders of Acquiree		8,200,000
Property and equipment measurement period adjustments				215
Other net measurement period adjustments to identifiable net assets				73
Goodwill measurement period adjustments				(10,000)
Fair value step-up adjustment to inventories		$ 1,200
Fair value step-up adjustment to inventories amortization period			1 year
Weighted average useful life of acquired intangible assets			12 years
Fair value of purchase price adjustment to long-term debt		1,300
Net revenues attributable to Allergan from acquisition date			$ 10,300
Operating losses attributable to Allergan from acquisition date			1,100
Amortization of intangible assets			4,000
Inventory fair value step-up amortization			$ 1,200
Consideration Transferred
Cash consideration paid to Allergan shareholders	[1]	39,675
Fair value of AbbVie common stock issued to Allergan shareholders	[2]	23,979
Fair value of AbbVie equity stock issued to Allergan equity award holders	[3]	430
Total consideration		64,084
Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
Cash and equivalents		1,537
Short-term investments		1,421
Accounts receivable		2,374
Inventories		2,340
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		1,982
Investments		137
Property and equipment		2,127
Intangible assets - Developed product rights		67,330
Intangible assets - In-process research and development		1,750
Other noncurrent assets		1,395
Short-term borrowings		(60)
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations		(1,899)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(5,852)
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations		(18,937)
Deferred income taxes		(3,792)
Other long-term liabilities		(4,765)
Total identifiable net assets		47,088
Goodwill		16,996
Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed		$ 64,084
Pro Forma Information
Net revenues				50,521	49,028
Net earnings (loss)				6,746	(38)
Allergan plc | Developed product rights intangible assets
Business Acquisition
Intangible assets measurement period adjustments				9,100
Allergan plc | IPR&D intangible assets
Business Acquisition
Intangible assets measurement period adjustments				710
Allergan plc | Selling, general and administrative
Business Acquisition
Acquisition-related expenses				$ 781	$ 103
[1]	Represents cash consideration transferred of $120.30 per outstanding Allergan ordinary share based on 330 million Allergan ordinary shares outstanding at closing.
[2]	Represents the acquisition date fair value of 286 million shares of AbbVie common stock issued to Allergan shareholders based on the exchange ratio of 0.8660 AbbVie shares for each outstanding Allergan ordinary share at the May 8, 2020 closing price of $83.96 per share.
[3]	Represents the pre-acquisition service portion of the fair value of 11 million AbbVie stock options and 8 million RSUs issued to Allergan equity award holders.

Licensing, Acquisitions, and _4

Licensing, Acquisitions, and Other Arrangements - Other Licensing & Acquisitions Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Cash outflows related to other acquisitions and investments				$ 1,350	$ 1,135	$ 736
Acquired in-process research and development				1,198	385	424
Goodwill				33,124	15,604	15,663
Other operating expense (income)				0	890	(500)
Collaborative arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Additional contribution to collaboration			$ 500
I-Mab Biopharma | Collaborative arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Potential additional milestone payments				1,700
Genmab A/S | Maximum | Collaborative arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Potential additional milestone payments				3,200
Reata Pharmaceuticals Inc
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Consideration received for acquired rights				250
Consideration receivable for acquired rights				80
Other operating expense (income)					330
Calico Life Sciences LLC | Collaborative arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Additional contribution to collaboration by partner			$ 500
Term by which the agreement was extended			3 years
Other operating expense (income)					(500)
Other individually insignificant arrangements | Collaborative arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Acquired in-process research and development				248	$ 385	$ 424
Other individually insignificant arrangements | Maximum | Collaborative arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Potential additional milestone payments				5,100
Luminera
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Accounting purchase price	$ 186
Upfront payment to Luminera shareholders	122
Contingent consideration	64
Maximum future payments upon achievement of certain milestones	90
Intangible assets - Developed product rights	127
Intangible assets - In-process research and development	33
Goodwill	$ 12
Other operating income | Reata Pharmaceuticals Inc
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Total consideration for acquired rights		$ 330
In-process research and development | I-Mab Biopharma | Collaborative arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Acquired in-process research and development				200
Upfront payment				180
Milestone payment				20
In-process research and development | Genmab A/S | Collaborative arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Acquired in-process research and development				$ 750

Collaborations (Details)

Collaborations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
AbbVie's receivable from Janssen	$ 8,822	$ 5,428
AbbVie's payable to Janssen	$ 20,159	11,832
Collaborative arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Share of collaboration development costs responsible by the entity (as a percent)	40.00%
Janssen Biotech, Inc | Collaborative arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Milestone payments	$ 200
Share of collaboration development costs responsible by Janssen (as a percent)	60.00%
Global - AbbVie's share of other costs (included in respective line items)	$ 295	321	$ 326
AbbVie's receivable from Janssen	283	235
AbbVie's payable to Janssen	562	455
Janssen Biotech, Inc | Collaborative arrangement | United States
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Collaboration counterparty's share of collaborative arrangement expenses (included in cost of products sold)	2,012	1,803	1,372
Janssen Biotech, Inc | Collaborative arrangement | International
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
International - AbbVie's share of profits (included in net revenues)	1,009	844	622
Genentech, Inc. | Collaborative arrangement
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
Collaboration counterparty's share of collaborative arrangement expenses (included in cost of products sold)	533	320	141
AbbVie's share of development costs (included in R&D)	129	128	160
Genentech, Inc. | Collaborative arrangement | United States
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions
AbbVie's share of sales and marketing costs from U.S. collaboration (included in SG&A)	$ 46	$ 41	$ 27

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period		$ 15,604,000,000	$ 15,663,000,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments		512,000,000	(59,000,000)
Additions	[1]	17,008,000,000
Balance at the end of the period		33,124,000,000	$ 15,604,000,000
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses		$ 0
[1]	Goodwill additions related to the acquisition of Allergan in the second quarter of 2020 and the acquisition of Luminera in the fourth quarter of 2020 (see Note 5).

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Definite-lived intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	$ 95,535	$ 27,345
Accumulated amortization	(14,536)	(8,696)
Net carrying amount	80,999	18,649
Indefinite-lived research and development	1,877	0
Total intangible assets gross carrying amount	97,412	27,345
Total intangible assets, net	82,876	18,649
Developed product rights
Definite-lived intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	87,707	19,547
Accumulated amortization	(11,620)	(6,405)
Net carrying amount	76,087	13,142
License agreements
Definite-lived intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	7,828	7,798
Accumulated amortization	(2,916)	(2,291)
Net carrying amount	$ 4,912	$ 5,507

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Definite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Definite-lived intangible assets
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 5,805,000,000	$ 1,553,000,000	$ 1,294,000,000
Definite-lived intangible assets impairment charges	0	$ 0	$ 0
Anticipated annual amortization expense
2021	7,700,000,000
2022	7,200,000,000
2023	7,500,000,000
2024	8,000,000,000
2025	$ 8,400,000,000
Minimum
Definite-lived intangible assets
Amortization period	1 year
Maximum
Definite-lived intangible assets
Amortization period	16 years
Weighted Average | Developed product rights
Definite-lived intangible assets
Amortization period	12 years
Weighted Average | License agreements
Definite-lived intangible assets
Amortization period	11 years

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Indefinite-lived research and development assets	$ 1,877,000,000	$ 0
Indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment charges	$ 0
In-process research and development | Stemcentrx Inc.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment charges		$ 1,000,000,000	$ 5,100,000,000

Integration and Restructuring_3

Integration and Restructuring Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Allergan integration plan
Restructuring charges
Integration related costs	$ 2,000
Allergan integration plan | Employee Severance
Restructuring charges
Charges associated with integration or restructuring plans	696
Restructuring reserve rollforward
Integration and restructuring charges	594
Payments and other adjustments	(227)
Accrued balance end of the period	367
Allergan integration plan | Other restructuring
Restructuring charges
Charges associated with integration or restructuring plans	435
Restructuring reserve rollforward
Integration and restructuring charges	435
Payments and other adjustments	(415)
Accrued balance end of the period	20
Allergan integration plan | Cost of products sold | Employee Severance
Restructuring charges
Charges associated with integration or restructuring plans	109
Allergan integration plan | Cost of products sold | Other restructuring
Restructuring charges
Charges associated with integration or restructuring plans	21
Allergan integration plan | Research and development | Employee Severance
Restructuring charges
Charges associated with integration or restructuring plans	199
Allergan integration plan | Research and development | Other restructuring
Restructuring charges
Charges associated with integration or restructuring plans	177
Allergan integration plan | Selling, general and administrative | Employee Severance
Restructuring charges
Charges associated with integration or restructuring plans	388
Allergan integration plan | Selling, general and administrative | Other restructuring
Restructuring charges
Charges associated with integration or restructuring plans	237
Other restructuring
Restructuring reserve rollforward
Accrued balance beginning of the period	140	$ 99	$ 86
Integration and restructuring charges	58	219	59
Payments and other adjustments	(108)	(178)	(46)
Accrued balance end of the period	90	140	99
Other restructuring | Employee Severance
Restructuring charges
Charges associated with integration or restructuring plans	$ 60	$ 234	$ 70

Leases - Balance Sheet Disclosu

Leases - Balance Sheet Disclosure (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019
Assets
Total lease assets	$ 922		$ 367
Liabilities
Total lease liabilities	$ 1,036	[1]	387
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	us-gaap:AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations	us-gaap:DebtCurrent
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	us-gaap:LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
Other assets
Assets
Operating lease assets	$ 895		344
Property and equipment, net
Assets
Finance lease assets	27		23
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Liabilities
Current operating lease liabilities	175		109
Other long-term liabilities
Liabilities
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	832		251
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations
Liabilities
Current finance lease liabilities	8		7
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations
Liabilities
Noncurrent finance lease liabilities	$ 21		$ 20
[1]	Lease payments recognized as part of lease liabilities for optional renewal periods are insignificant.

Leases - Cost (Details)

Leases - Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 192	$ 124
Short-term lease cost	59	34
Variable lease cost	60	62
Total lease cost	$ 311	$ 220
Lease expense prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-02			$ 161

Leases - Weighted-Average Remai

Leases - Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term and Discount Rate (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases	8 years	5 years
Weighted-average remaining lease term for finance leases	3 years	3 years
Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases	2.50%	3.90%
Weighted-average discount rate for finance leases	1.40%	3.90%

Leases - Cash Flow Disclosure (

Leases - Cash Flow Disclosure (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 08, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Acquisition
Operating cash flows from operating leases		$ 185	$ 125
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities		$ 692	$ 26
Allergan plc
Business Acquisition
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$ 453

Leases - Maturities of Lease Li

Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019
Operating leases
2021		$ 202
2022		178
2023		140
2024		111
2025		96
Thereafter		394
Total lease payments		1,121
Less: Interest		114
Present value of lease liabilities		1,007
Finance leases
2021		27
2022		3
2023		2
2024		1
2025		0
Thereafter		0
Total lease payments		33
Less: Interest		4
Present value of lease liabilities		29
Total
2021	[1]	229
2022	[1]	181
2023	[1]	142
2024	[1]	112
2025	[1]	96
Thereafter	[1]	394
Total lease payments	[1]	1,154
Less: Interest	[1]	118
Present value of lease liabilities		$ 1,036	[1]	$ 387
[1]	Lease payments recognized as part of lease liabilities for optional renewal periods are insignificant.

Debt, Credit Facilities, and _3

Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Details) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	May 31, 2020EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2018	Nov. 30, 2016EUR (€)	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2012
Long-term debt
Fair value hedges		$ 278		$ (48)
Unamortized bond discounts		(146)		(161)
Unamortized deferred financing costs		(287)		(323)
Unamortized bond premiums	[1]	1,200		0
Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations		86,022		66,728
Current portion		8,468		3,753
Noncurrent portion		77,554		62,975
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			1.25%
Aggregate principal amount of debt | €			€ 700,000,000
Other
Long-term debt
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 29		$ 27
Senior notes | 2.90% notes due 2022
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	2.97%		2.97%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 3,100		$ 3,100
Stated interest rate (as a percent)											2.90%
Senior notes | 4.40% notes due 2042
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	4.46%		4.46%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 2,600		$ 2,600
Stated interest rate (as a percent)											4.40%
Senior notes | 2.50% notes due 2020
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	2.65%		2.65%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross				$ 3,750
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			2.50%							2.50%
Senior notes | 3.20% notes due 2022
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	3.28%		3.28%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 1,000		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)										3.20%
Senior notes | 3.60% notes due 2025
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	3.66%		3.66%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 3,750		$ 3,750
Stated interest rate (as a percent)										3.60%
Senior notes | 4.50% notes due 2035
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	4.58%		4.58%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 2,500		$ 2,500
Stated interest rate (as a percent)										4.50%
Senior notes | 4.70% notes due 2045
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	4.73%		4.73%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 2,700		$ 2,700
Stated interest rate (as a percent)										4.70%
Senior notes | 2.30% notes due 2021
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	2.40%		2.40%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 1,800		$ 1,800
Stated interest rate (as a percent)									2.30%
Senior notes | 2.85% notes due 2023
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	2.91%		2.91%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 1,000		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)									2.85%
Senior notes | 3.20% notes due 2026
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	3.28%		3.28%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 2,000		$ 2,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)									3.20%
Senior notes | 4.30% notes due 2036
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	4.37%		4.37%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 1,000		$ 1,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)									4.30%
Senior notes | 4.45% notes due 2046
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	4.50%		4.50%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 2,000		$ 2,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)									4.45%
Senior notes | 1.375% notes due 2024 (€1,450 principal)
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	1.46%		1.46%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 1,783		$ 1,625
Stated interest rate (as a percent)								1.375%
Aggregate principal amount of debt | €								€ 1,450,000,000
Senior notes | 2.125% notes due 2028 (€750 principal)
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	2.18%		2.18%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 922		$ 840
Stated interest rate (as a percent)								2.125%
Aggregate principal amount of debt | €								€ 750,000,000
Senior notes | 3.375% notes due 2021
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	3.51%		3.51%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 1,250		$ 1,250
Stated interest rate (as a percent)							3.375%
Senior notes | 3.75% notes due 2023
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	3.84%		3.84%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 1,250		$ 1,250
Stated interest rate (as a percent)							3.75%
Senior notes | 4.25% notes due 2028
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	4.38%		4.38%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 1,750		$ 1,750
Stated interest rate (as a percent)							4.25%
Senior notes | 4.875% notes due 2048
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	4.94%		4.94%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 1,750		$ 1,750
Stated interest rate (as a percent)							4.875%
Senior notes | 0.75% notes due 2027 (€750 principal)
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	0.86%		0.86%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 922		$ 840
Stated interest rate (as a percent)						0.75%
Aggregate principal amount of debt | €						€ 750,000,000
Senior notes | 1.25% notes due 2031 (€650 principal)
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	1.30%		1.30%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 799		$ 728
Stated interest rate (as a percent)						1.25%
Aggregate principal amount of debt | €						€ 650,000,000
Senior notes | Floating rate notes due May 2021
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	1.33%		2.08%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 750		$ 750
Senior notes | Floating rate notes due November 2021
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	1.42%		2.12%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 750		$ 750
Senior notes | Floating rate notes due 2022
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	1.62%		2.29%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 750		$ 750
Senior notes | 2.15% notes due 2021
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	2.23%		2.23%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 1,750		$ 1,750
Stated interest rate (as a percent)					2.15%
Senior notes | 2.30% notes due 2022
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	2.42%		2.42%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 3,000		$ 3,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)					2.30%
Senior notes | 2.60% notes due 2024
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	2.69%		2.69%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 3,750		$ 3,750
Stated interest rate (as a percent)					2.60%
Senior notes | 2.95% notes due 2026
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	3.02%		3.02%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 4,000		$ 4,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)					2.95%
Senior notes | 3.20% notes due 2029
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	3.25%		3.25%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 5,500		$ 5,500
Stated interest rate (as a percent)					3.20%
Senior notes | 4.05% notes due 2039
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	4.11%		4.11%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 4,000		$ 4,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)					4.05%
Senior notes | 4.25% notes due 2049
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	4.29%		4.29%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 5,750		$ 5,750
Stated interest rate (as a percent)					4.25%
Senior notes | 5.000% notes due 2021
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	1.59%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 1,200		$ 0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			5.00%
Senior notes | 3.450% notes due 2022
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	1.89%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 2,878		$ 0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			3.45%
Senior notes | 3.250% notes due 2022
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	1.85%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 1,700		$ 0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			3.25%
Senior notes | 2.800% notes due 2023
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	2.08%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 350		$ 0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			2.80%
Senior notes | 3.850% notes due 2024
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	1.98%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 1,032		$ 0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			3.85%
Senior notes | 3.800% notes due 2025
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	2.00%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 3,021		$ 0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			3.80%
Senior notes | 4.550% notes due 2035
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	3.43%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 1,789		$ 0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			4.55%
Senior notes | 4.625% notes due 2042
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	3.93%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 457		$ 0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			4.625%
Senior notes | 4.850% notes due 2044
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	4.02%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 1,074		$ 0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			4.85%
Senior notes | 4.750% notes due 2045
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	4.13%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 881		$ 0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			4.75%
Senior notes | 0.500% notes due 2021 (€750 principal)
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	0.68%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 922		$ 0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			0.50%
Aggregate principal amount of debt | €			€ 750,000,000
Senior notes | 1.500% notes due 2023 (€500 principal)
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	0.48%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 615		$ 0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			1.50%
Aggregate principal amount of debt | €			€ 500,000,000
Senior notes | 1.250% notes due 2024 (€700 principal)
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	0.64%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 861		$ 0
Senior notes | 2.625% notes due 2028 (€500 principal)
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	1.18%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 615		$ 0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			2.625%
Aggregate principal amount of debt | €			€ 500,000,000
Senior notes | 2.125% notes due 2029 (€550 principal)
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	1.18%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 677		$ 0
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			2.125%
Aggregate principal amount of debt | €			€ 550,000,000
Term loan facilities | Floating rate notes due 2023
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	1.29%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 1,000		$ 0
Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations		$ 1,000
Term loan facilities | Floating rate notes due 2025
Long-term debt
Weighted-average effective interest rate	[2]	1.42%		0.00%
Long-term debt and lease obligations, gross		$ 2,000		$ 0
Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations		$ 2,000
[1]	Represents unamortized purchase price adjustments of Allergan debt.
[2]	Excludes the effect of any related interest rate swaps.

Debt, Credit Facilities, and _4

Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies - Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Details)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2020EUR (€)

Nov. 30, 2020USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)

May 31, 2020USD ($)

Nov. 30, 2019USD ($)

Oct. 31, 2019EUR (€)

Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)

Aug. 31, 2019

Nov. 30, 2018USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)

May 31, 2018USD ($)

Nov. 30, 2016

May 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2015

May 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020EUR (€)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2020EUR (€)

May 31, 2020EUR (€)

May 31, 2020USD ($)

Nov. 30, 2012

Long-term debt

Aggregate principal amount outstanding

$ 66,728,000,000

$ 86,022,000,000

Repayments of long-term debt

$ 5,683,000,000

$ 1,536,000,000

$ 6,035,000,000

Stated interest rate (as a percent)

1.25%

1.25%

Aggregate principal amount of debt | €

€ 700,000,000

Revolving credit facility

Long-term debt

Revolving credit facility term

5 years

Senior notes | Allergan notes exchanged

Long-term debt

Aggregate principal amount outstanding

$ 14,000,000,000

Senior notes | Allergan Euro notes exchanged

Long-term debt

Aggregate principal amount outstanding | €

3,100,000,000

Senior notes | Allergan Notes

Long-term debt

Aggregate principal amount outstanding

$ 1,500,000,000

Senior notes | Allergan Euro Notes

Long-term debt

Aggregate principal amount outstanding | €

€ 635,000,000

Senior notes | 3.375% Senior Notes due 2020

Long-term debt

Repayments of long-term debt

$ 650,000,000

Stated interest rate (as a percent)

3.375%

Senior notes | Floating rate Euro notes due 2020

Long-term debt

Repayments of long-term debt | €

€ 700,000,000

Senior notes | 4.875% notes due 2021

Long-term debt

Repayments of long-term debt

$ 450,000,000

Stated interest rate (as a percent)

4.875%

4.875%

Senior notes | Senior notes issued in 2019

Long-term debt

Aggregate principal amount of debt

$ 30,000,000,000

Debt issuance costs incurred

173,000,000

Debt discounts

$ 52,000,000

Senior notes | Senior notes issued in 2019 excluding fixed-rate notes due in 2021 and 2022 | Minimum

Long-term debt

Senior note redemption period prior to maturity

1 month

Senior notes | Senior notes issued in 2019 excluding fixed-rate notes due in 2021 and 2022 | Maximum

Long-term debt

Senior note redemption period prior to maturity

6 months

Senior notes | 2.50% notes due 2020

Long-term debt

Repayments of long-term debt

$ 3,800,000,000

Stated interest rate (as a percent)

2.50%

2.50%

2.50%

Senior notes | September 2019 senior Euro notes

Long-term debt

Aggregate principal amount of debt | €

€ 1,400,000,000

Debt issuance costs incurred

$ 9,000,000

Debt discounts

$ 5,000,000

Senior notes | September 2019 senior Euro notes | Minimum

Long-term debt

Senior note redemption period prior to maturity

1 year

Senior notes | September 2019 senior Euro notes | Maximum

Long-term debt

Senior note redemption period prior to maturity

3 months

Senior notes | 0.375% senior Euros notes due 2019

Long-term debt

Repayments of long-term debt | €

€ 1,400,000,000

Stated interest rate (as a percent)

0.375%

Senior notes | 1.80% notes due 2018

Long-term debt

Repayments of long-term debt

$ 3,000,000,000

Stated interest rate (as a percent)

1.80%

Senior notes | Senior notes issued in 2018

Long-term debt

Aggregate principal amount of debt

$ 6,000,000,000

Debt issuance costs incurred

37,000,000

Debt discounts

37,000,000

Senior notes net issuance proceeds

$ 5,900,000,000

Senior notes | Senior notes issued in 2018 | Minimum

Long-term debt

Senior note redemption period prior to maturity

1 month

Senior notes | Senior notes issued in 2018 | Maximum

Long-term debt

Senior note redemption period prior to maturity

6 months

Senior notes | 3.375% notes due 2021

Long-term debt

Stated interest rate (as a percent)

3.375%

Senior notes | 2.00% notes due 2018

Long-term debt

Repayments of long-term debt

$ 1,000,000,000

Stated interest rate (as a percent)

2.00%

Senior notes | Senior Euro notes

Long-term debt

Aggregate principal amount outstanding | €

€ 2,200,000,000

Senior notes | Senior Euro notes | Minimum

Long-term debt

Senior note redemption period prior to maturity

1 month

Senior notes | Senior Euro notes | Maximum

Long-term debt

Senior note redemption period prior to maturity

3 months

Senior notes | Senior notes issued in 2016

Long-term debt

Aggregate principal amount outstanding

7,800,000,000

Senior notes | Senior notes issued in 2016 | Minimum

Long-term debt

Senior note redemption period prior to maturity

1 year

Senior notes | Senior notes issued in 2016 | Maximum

Long-term debt

Senior note redemption period prior to maturity

6 months

Senior notes | Senior notes issued in 2015

Long-term debt

Aggregate principal amount outstanding

10,000,000,000

Senior notes | Senior notes issued in 2015 | Minimum

Long-term debt

Senior note redemption period prior to maturity

1 year

Senior notes | Senior notes issued in 2015 | Maximum

Long-term debt

Senior note redemption period prior to maturity

6 months

Senior notes | Senior notes issued in 2012

Long-term debt

Aggregate principal amount outstanding

5,700,000,000

Term loan facilities | May 2020 floating rate term loans

Long-term debt

Principal amount of debt

$ 3,000,000,000

Term loan facilities | July 2019 term loan agreement

Long-term debt

Maximum borrowing capacity of term loan credit agreement

$ 6,000,000,000

Term loan facilities | Floating rate notes due 2023

Long-term debt

Aggregate principal amount outstanding

1,000,000,000

Term loan credit agreement term

3 years

Term loan facilities | Floating rate notes due 2025

Long-term debt

Aggregate principal amount outstanding

$ 2,000,000,000

Term loan credit agreement term

5 years

Term loan facilities | September 2015 term loan agreement

Long-term debt

Repayments of long-term debt

$ 2,000,000,000

Term loan credit agreement term

3 years

Debt, Credit Facilities, and _5

Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies - Short-Term Borrowings (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Short-term borrowings
Short-term borrowings			$ 34,000,000	$ 0
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 4,000,000,000
Repayments of other short-term borrowings			0	3,000,000,000	$ 0
Revolving credit facility
Short-term borrowings
Revolving credit facility term	5 years
Revolving credit facility outstanding			0	0
Commercial Paper
Short-term borrowings
Short-term borrowings			$ 0	$ 0
Weighted-average interest rate on commercial paper (as a percent)			1.80%	2.50%	2.00%
May 2018 term loan credit agreement | Term loan facilities
Short-term borrowings
Repayments of other short-term borrowings		$ 3,000,000,000
Term loan credit agreement term		364 days

Debt, Credit Facilities, and _6

Debt, Credit Facilities, and Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2021	$ 8,422
2022	12,428
2023	4,215
2024	7,426
2025	8,771
Thereafter	43,686
Total obligations and commitments	84,948
Fair value hedges, unamortized bond premiums and discounts, deferred financing costs and finance lease obligations	1,074
Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations	$ 86,022	$ 66,728

Financial Instruments and Fai_3

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures - Financial Instruments (Details) £ in Millions, SFr in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020EUR (€)company	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)company	May 31, 2020EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2019CHF (SFr)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Number of outstanding derivative instruments containing credit risk contingent features | company				0	0
Aggregate principal amount of senior Euro notes | €						€ 700,000,000
Amount excluded from the assessment of effectiveness for cash flow hedges	$ 0	$ 0
Amount excluded from the assessment of effectiveness for fair value hedges	0	0
Fair value - Derivatives in asset position					$ 189,000,000			$ 53,000,000
Fair value - Derivatives in liability position					166,000,000			132,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Net investment hedges | Senior notes
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Aggregate principal amount of senior Euro notes | €				€ 6,600,000,000			€ 3,600,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Treasury rate lock gain recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (71,000,000)	(5,000,000)	$ 175,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cash flow hedges
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Notional amount of derivative instruments					1,500,000,000			1,000,000,000
Duration of forward exchange contracts	18 months
Approximate length of time over which accumulated gains and losses will be recognized in cost of products sold	6 months
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cash flow hedges | Prepaid expenses and other
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair value - Derivatives in asset position					2,000,000			3,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cash flow hedges | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair value - Derivatives in liability position					82,000,000			14,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cash flow hedges | Other assets
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair value - Derivatives in asset position					0			0
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cash flow hedges | Other long-term liabilities
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair value - Derivatives in liability position					6,000,000			0
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Net investment hedges
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Notional amount of derivative instruments				€ 971,000,000			€ 971,000,000		£ 204	SFr 62
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Net investment hedges | Prepaid expenses and other
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair value - Derivatives in asset position					0			0
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Net investment hedges | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair value - Derivatives in liability position					11,000,000			24,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Treasury rate lock agreements
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Treasury rate lock gain recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 0	383,000,000	0
Designated as hedging instrument | Treasury rate lock agreements | Cash flow hedges
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Notional amount of derivative instruments											$ 10,000,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swap contracts
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Treasury rate lock gain recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (53,000,000)	$ 4,000,000	$ 0
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swap contracts | Cash flow hedges
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Notional amount of derivative instruments					2,300,000,000			2,300,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swap contracts | Cash flow hedges | Prepaid expenses and other
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair value - Derivatives in asset position					0			0
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swap contracts | Cash flow hedges | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair value - Derivatives in liability position					14,000,000			0
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swap contracts | Cash flow hedges | Other assets
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair value - Derivatives in asset position					0			3,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swap contracts | Cash flow hedges | Other long-term liabilities
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair value - Derivatives in liability position					20,000,000			0
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swap contracts | Fair value hedges
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Notional amount of derivative instruments					4,800,000,000			10,800,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swap contracts | Fair value hedges | Prepaid expenses and other
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair value - Derivatives in asset position					7,000,000			0
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swap contracts | Fair value hedges | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair value - Derivatives in liability position					0			2,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swap contracts | Fair value hedges | Other assets
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair value - Derivatives in asset position					131,000,000			28,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swap contracts | Fair value hedges | Other long-term liabilities
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair value - Derivatives in liability position					0			74,000,000
Not designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Notional amount of derivative instruments					8,600,000,000			7,100,000,000
Not designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Prepaid expenses and other
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair value - Derivatives in asset position					49,000,000			19,000,000
Not designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair value - Derivatives in liability position					$ 33,000,000			$ 18,000,000

Financial Instruments and Fai_4

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures - Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized For Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cost of products sold
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Pre-tax losses to be transferred into cost of products sold for foreign currency cash flow hedges during the next 12 months	$ (93)
Interest expense, net
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Pre-tax gains to be transferred into interest expense, net for interest rate swap cash flow hedges during the next 12 months	(24)
Pre-tax gains to be transferred into interest expense, net for treasury rate lock agreement cash flow hedges during the next 12 months	24
Designated as hedging instrument | Senior notes
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Pre-tax gains (losses) from net investment hedges recognized in other comprehensive income	(907)	$ (90)	$ (178)
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest expense, net | Senior notes | Fair value hedges
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Debt designated as hedged item in fair value hedges gains (losses) recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings	(365)	(418)	71
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Designated as hedging instrument
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Pre-tax gains (losses) from cash flow hedges recognized in other comprehensive income	(71)	(5)	175
Pre-tax gains (losses) from net investment hedges recognized in other comprehensive income	(95)	33	0
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Designated as hedging instrument | Cost of products sold | Cash flow hedges
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Derivative instrument net gains (losses) recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings	23	167	(161)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Designated as hedging instrument | Interest expense, net | Net investment hedges
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Derivative instrument net gains (losses) recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings	18	27	0
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Not designated as hedges | Net foreign exchange loss
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Derivative instrument net gains (losses) recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings	58	(70)	83
Interest rate swap contracts | Designated as hedging instrument
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Pre-tax gains (losses) from cash flow hedges recognized in other comprehensive income	(53)	4	0
Interest rate swap contracts | Designated as hedging instrument | Interest expense, net | Cash flow hedges
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Derivative instrument net gains (losses) recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings	(17)	1	0
Interest rate swap contracts | Designated as hedging instrument | Interest expense, net | Fair value hedges
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Derivative instrument net gains (losses) recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings	365	418	(71)
Treasury rate lock agreements | Designated as hedging instrument
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Pre-tax gains (losses) from cash flow hedges recognized in other comprehensive income	0	383	0
Treasury rate lock agreements | Designated as hedging instrument | Interest expense, net | Cash flow hedges
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Derivative instrument net gains (losses) recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings	$ 24	$ 3	$ 0

Financial Instruments and Fai_5

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures - Fair Value Measures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Foreign currency contracts			$ 53	$ 189	$ 53
Liabilities
Foreign currency contracts			132	166	132
Change in fair value recognized in net earnings				(5,753)	(3,091)	$ (49)
Stemcentrx Inc.
Liabilities
Change in fair value recognized in net earnings	$ 91		(428)
Skyrizi
Liabilities
Change in fair value recognized in net earnings		$ (2,300)		(4,700)
Recurring
Assets
Cash and equivalents			39,924	8,449	39,924
Debt securities			3	50	3
Equity securities			24	159	24
Interest rate swap contracts			31	138	31
Total assets			40,004	8,859	40,004
Liabilities
Interest rate swap contracts			76	34	76
Contingent consideration			7,340	12,997	7,340
Total liabilities			7,472	13,163	7,472
Recurring | Money market funds
Assets
Money market funds and time deposits				12
Recurring | Foreign currency contracts
Assets
Foreign currency contracts			22	51	22
Liabilities
Foreign currency contracts			56	132	56
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Assets
Cash and equivalents			1,542	2,758	1,542
Debt securities			0	0	0
Equity securities			24	149	24
Interest rate swap contracts			0	0	0
Total assets			1,566	2,907	1,566
Liabilities
Interest rate swap contracts			0	0	0
Contingent consideration			0	0	0
Total liabilities			0	0	0
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Money market funds
Assets
Money market funds and time deposits				0
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Foreign currency contracts
Assets
Foreign currency contracts			0	0	0
Liabilities
Foreign currency contracts			0	0	0
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Assets
Cash and equivalents			38,382	5,691	38,382
Debt securities			3	50	3
Equity securities			0	10	0
Interest rate swap contracts			31	138	31
Total assets			38,438	5,952	38,438
Liabilities
Interest rate swap contracts			76	34	76
Contingent consideration			0	0	0
Total liabilities			132	166	132
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Money market funds
Assets
Money market funds and time deposits				12
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Foreign currency contracts
Assets
Foreign currency contracts			22	51	22
Liabilities
Foreign currency contracts			56	132	56
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Cash and equivalents			0	0	0
Debt securities			0	0	0
Equity securities			0	0	0
Interest rate swap contracts			0	0	0
Total assets			0	0	0
Liabilities
Interest rate swap contracts			0	0	0
Contingent consideration			7,340	12,997	7,340
Total liabilities			7,340	12,997	7,340
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Money market funds
Assets
Money market funds and time deposits				0
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Foreign currency contracts
Assets
Foreign currency contracts			0	0	0
Liabilities
Foreign currency contracts			$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Financial Instruments and Fai_6

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures - Significant Level 3 Unobservable Inputs (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020
Probability of payment for early stage indications
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration	0
Probability of payment for approved indications
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration	1
Minimum | Discount rate
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration	0.001
Minimum | Probability of payment for unachieved milestones
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration	0.56
Minimum | Probability of payment for royalties by indication
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration	0.56	[1]
Minimum | Projected year of payments
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration	2,021
Minimum | Probability of payment for royalties excluding approved indications
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration	0.56
Maximum | Discount rate
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration	0.022
Maximum | Probability of payment for unachieved milestones
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration	0.92
Maximum | Probability of payment for royalties by indication
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration	1	[1]
Maximum | Projected year of payments
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration	2,034
Maximum | Probability of payment for royalties excluding approved indications
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration	0.89
Weighted Average | Discount rate
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration	0.011	[2]
Weighted Average | Probability of payment for unachieved milestones
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration	0.64	[2]
Weighted Average | Probability of payment for royalties by indication
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration	0.91	[1],[2]
Weighted Average | Projected year of payments
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration	2,027	[2]
[1]	Excludes early stage indications with 0% estimated probability of payment and includes approved indications with 100% probability of payment. Excluding approved indications, the estimated probability of payment ranged from 56% to 89% at December 31, 2020.
[2]	Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities.

Financial Instruments and Fai_7

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures - Transfers of Assets or Liabilities Into or Out of Level 3 of the Fair Value Hierarchy (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Transfers of assets between the fair value measurement levels
Transfers of assets into Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy	$ 0
Transfers of assets out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy	0
Transfers of liabilities between the fair value measurement levels
Transfers of liabilities into Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy	0
Transfers of liabilities out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy	0
Reconciliation of the fair value measurements that use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Beginning balance	7,340		$ 4,483	$ 4,534
Additions	225	[1]	0	0
Change in fair value recognized in net earnings	(5,753)		(3,091)	(49)
Payments	(321)		(234)	(100)
Ending balance	$ 12,997		$ 7,340	$ 4,483
[1]	Additions during the year ended December 31, 2020 represent contingent consideration liabilities assumed in the Allergan acquisition as well as contingent consideration resulting from the Luminera acquisition.

Financial Instruments and Fai_8

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures - Bases Used to Measure The Approximate Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Liabilities
Carrying amount of investments in equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values	$ 102	$ 66
Book value
Liabilities
Short-term borrowings	34
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges	8,461	3,755
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges	77,283	63,021
Total liabilities	85,778	66,776
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Liabilities
Short-term borrowings	34
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges	8,542	3,760
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges	87,761	66,651
Total liabilities	96,337	70,411
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Liabilities
Short-term borrowings	0
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges	8,249	3,753
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges	86,137	66,631
Total liabilities	94,386	70,384
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Liabilities
Short-term borrowings	34
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges	293	7
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges	1,624	20
Total liabilities	1,951	27
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Liabilities
Short-term borrowings	0
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges	0	0
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges	0	0
Total liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Financial Instruments and Fai_9

Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures - Concentrations of Risk (Details) - wholesaler	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Concentration of Risk
Number of principal customers	3
Net revenues
Concentration of Risk
Number of principal customers	3
Net revenues | HUMIRA
Concentration of Risk
Concentrations risk (as a percent)	43.00%	58.00%	61.00%
Accounts receivable, net | Geographic Risk
Concentration of Risk
Concentrations risk (as a percent)	72.00%	68.00%

Post-Employment Benefits - Addi

Post-Employment Benefits - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	May 08, 2020
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 10,500	$ 7,600
Ultimate per capita trend rate for health care costs from 2064 and thereafter (as a percent)	4.50%
Ultimate per capita trend rate for health care costs from 2064 and thereafter (as a percent)	4.50%
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 11,792	8,646	$ 6,618
Actuarial loss	$ 1,105	1,703
Defined benefit plans | Allergan plc
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Defined Benefit Plan Liabilities (Assets)				$ 156
Defined benefit plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target investment allocations for Pension Plan (as a percent)	50.00%
Defined benefit plans | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target investment allocations for Pension Plan (as a percent)	20.00%
Defined benefit plans | Asset allocation strategies and other holdings
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target investment allocations for Pension Plan (as a percent)	30.00%
Other post-employment plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 795	1,050	561
Actuarial loss	$ 40	451
Pre Sixty Five Years of Age
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care obligation benefits assumed in the current year (as a percent)	6.30%
Annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care cost benefits assumed in the current year (as a percent)	6.40%
Post Sixty Five Years of Age
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care obligation benefits assumed in the current year (as a percent)	6.70%
Annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care cost benefits assumed in the current year (as a percent)	7.00%
AbbVie Savings Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan expenses recorded	$ 191	102	$ 89
Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 3,500	$ 2,300

Post-Employment Benefits - Bene

Post-Employment Benefits - Benefit Plan Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets
Other long-term liabilities	$ (3,413)	$ (2,949)
Defined benefit plans
Projected benefit obligations
Beginning of period	8,646	6,618
Service cost	370	269	$ 285
Interest cost	264	259	227
Employee contributions	2	2
Amendments	0	0
Actuarial loss	1,105	1,703
Benefits paid	(249)	(206)
Acquisition	1,409	0
Other, primarily foreign currency translation adjustments	245	1
End of period	11,792	8,646	6,618
Fair value of plan assets
Beginning of period	7,116	5,637
Actual return on plan assets	979	946
Company contributions	367	727
Employee contributions	2	2
Benefits paid	(249)	(206)
Acquisition	1,296	0
Other, primarily foreign currency translation adjustments	191	10
End of period	9,702	7,116	5,637
Funded status, end of period	(2,090)	(1,530)
Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets
Other assets	563	395
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(12)	(8)
Other long-term liabilities	(2,641)	(1,917)
Net obligation	(2,090)	(1,530)
Actuarial loss, net	4,163	3,633
Prior service cost (credit)	8	10
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	4,171	3,643
Other post-employment plans
Projected benefit obligations
Beginning of period	1,050	561
Service cost	42	25	26
Interest cost	34	29	25
Amendments	(397)
Actuarial loss	40	451
Benefits paid	(17)	(17)
Acquisition	43	0
Other, primarily foreign currency translation adjustments	0	1
End of period	795	1,050	$ 561
Fair value of plan assets
Company contributions	17	17
Benefits paid	(17)	(17)
Acquisition	0	0
Funded status, end of period	(795)	(1,050)
Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(23)	(18)
Other long-term liabilities	(772)	(1,032)
Net obligation	(795)	(1,050)
Actuarial loss, net	482	469
Prior service cost (credit)	(408)	(16)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 74	$ 453

Post-Employment Benefits - Info

Post-Employment Benefits - Information For Pension Plans With A Projected Benefit Obligation And An Accumulated Benefit Obligation In Excess Of Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 7,527	$ 5,752
Fair value of plan assets	6,066	4,820
Projected benefit obligation	8,719	6,820
Fair value of plan assets	$ 6,066	$ 4,895

Post-Employment Benefits - Pret

Post-Employment Benefits - Pretax Gains and Losses Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actuarial loss (gain)	$ 701	$ 1,231	$ 209
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)	(2)	0	0
Amortization of actuarial loss	(227)	(109)	(140)
Foreign exchange loss (gain) and other	56	(6)	(13)
Total loss (gain)	528	1,116	56
Other post-employment plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actuarial loss (gain)	40	451	(287)
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)	4	0	0
Amortization of actuarial loss	(26)	(1)	(1)
Prior service cost (credit)	(397)	0	0
Total loss (gain)	$ (379)	$ 450	$ (288)

Post-Employment Benefits - Net

Post-Employment Benefits - Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 370	$ 269	$ 285
Interest cost	264	259	227
Expected return on plan assets	(575)	(474)	(439)
Amortization of prior service cost	2	0	0
Amortization of actuarial loss	(227)	(109)	(140)
Net periodic benefit cost	288	163	213
Other post-employment plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	42	25	26
Interest cost	34	29	25
Amortization of prior service cost	(4)	0	0
Amortization of actuarial loss	(26)	(1)	(1)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 98	$ 55	$ 52

Post-Employment Benefits - Weig

Post-Employment Benefits - Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Determining Benefit Obligation at Measurement Date (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate	2.40%	3.00%
Rate of compensation increases	4.60%	4.60%
Cash balance interest crediting rate	2.80%	2.80%
Other post-employment plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate	2.80%	3.60%

Post-Employment Benefits - We_2

Post-Employment Benefits - Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Determining Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate for determining service cost	3.10%	4.00%	3.40%
Discount rate for determining interest cost	3.00%	4.00%	3.10%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.10%	7.60%	7.70%
Expected rate of change in compensation	4.60%	4.60%	4.40%
Cash balance interest crediting rate	2.80%	2.80%	2.80%
Other post-employment plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate for determining service cost	3.70%	4.70%	4.00%
Discount rate for determining interest cost	3.20%	4.30%	3.70%

Post-Employment Benefits - Defi

Post-Employment Benefits - Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets (Details) - Defined benefit plans - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 9,702	$ 7,116	$ 5,637
Fair value measured at Levels 1, 2 and 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		4,230	2,851
Fair value measured at Levels 1, 2 and 3 | U.S. large cap
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	1,143	884
Fair value measured at Levels 1, 2 and 3 | U.S. mid cap
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	164	138
Fair value measured at Levels 1, 2 and 3 | International
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	524	349
Fair value measured at Levels 1, 2 and 3 | U.S. government securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	132	149
Fair value measured at Levels 1, 2 and 3 | Corporate debt instruments
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	854	372
Fair value measured at Levels 1, 2 and 3 | Non-U.S. government securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	544	202
Fair value measured at Levels 1, 2 and 3 | Other fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	297	320
Fair value measured at Levels 1, 2 and 3 | Absolute return funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[5]	310	296
Fair value measured at Levels 1, 2 and 3 | Real assets
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		10	9
Fair value measured at Levels 1, 2 and 3 | Other plan assets
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[6]	252	132
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		2,982	2,051
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | U.S. large cap
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	1,143	884
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | U.S. mid cap
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	164	138
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | International
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	524	349
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | U.S. government securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	18	21
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Corporate debt instruments
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	178	112
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Non-U.S. government securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	397	84
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Other fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	294	318
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Absolute return funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[5]	4	4
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Real assets
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		10	9
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Other plan assets
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[6]	250	132
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		1,248	800
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | U.S. large cap
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | U.S. mid cap
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | International
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | U.S. government securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	114	128
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Corporate debt instruments
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	676	260
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Non-U.S. government securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	147	118
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Other fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	3	2
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Absolute return funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[5]	306	292
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Real assets
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Other plan assets
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[6]	2	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | U.S. large cap
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | U.S. mid cap
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | International
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | U.S. government securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Corporate debt instruments
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Non-U.S. government securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Other fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Absolute return funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[5]	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Real assets
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Other plan assets
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[6]	0	0
Total assets measured at NAV
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 5,472	$ 4,265
[1]	A mix of index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various large cap indices.
[2]	A mix of index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various mid cap indices.
[3]	A mix of index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various non-U.S. equity indices in both developed and emerging markets.
[4]	Securities held by actively managed accounts, index funds and mutual funds.
[5]	Primarily funds having global mandates with the flexibility to allocate capital broadly across a wide range of asset classes and strategies, including but not limited to equities, fixed income, commodities, financial futures, currencies and other securities, with objectives to outperform agreed upon benchmarks of specific return and volatility targets.
[6]	Investments in cash and cash equivalents.

Post-Employment Benefits - Expe

Post-Employment Benefits - Expected Defined Benefit and Other Post-Employment Plan Payments (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2021	$ 284
2022	301
2023	319
2024	339
2025	362
2026 to 2030	2,169
Other post-employment plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2021	23
2022	29
2023	31
2024	33
2025	36
2026 to 2030	$ 217

Equity - Stock-Based Compensati

Equity - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserved for issuance (in shares)	100,000,000
Retirement-eligible employees' age	55 years
Minimum number of years of services	10 years
Pre-tax compensation expense	$ 753	$ 430	$ 421
Tax benefit	131	80	73
After-tax compensation expense	622	350	348
Realized excess tax benefits from the exercise of stock options	34	15	78
Cost of products sold
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pre-tax compensation expense	47	29	27
Research and development
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pre-tax compensation expense	247	171	169
Selling, general and administrative
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Pre-tax compensation expense	$ 459	$ 230	$ 225

Equity - Stock Options (Details

Equity - Stock Options (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / shares	May 08, 2020shares
Allergan plc
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options issued to Allergan's equity award holders (in shares) | shares				11,200
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contractual term	10 years
Incremental vesting	0.33
Vesting period	3 years
Exercise price for awards granted as percentage of market value on the date of grant	100.00%
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of the stock options granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 12.14	$ 12.54	$ 21.63
Options
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) | shares	6,761
Granted (in shares) | shares	1,995
Granted in acquisition (in shares) | shares	11,152
Exercised (in shares) | shares	(4,129)
Lapsed (in shares) | shares	(88)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) | shares	15,691	6,761
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares) | shares	12,440
Weighted- average exercise price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 60.39
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	93.50
Granted in acquisition (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	70.48
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	51.29
Lapsed (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	107.33
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	73.90	$ 60.39
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 69.99
Weighted-average remaining life (in years)
Outstanding	4 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 10 months 24 days
Exercisable	3 years 7 months 6 days
Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding | $	$ 559	$ 207
Exercisable | $	498
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised | $	186	$ 22	$ 215
Total fair value of options vested | $	292
Unrecognized compensation cost | $	$ 13
Period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	2 years

Equity - RSUs and Performance S

Equity - RSUs and Performance Shares (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
RSUs | Minimum vesting period
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
RSUs | Maximum vesting period
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years
Performance-vested RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incremental vesting	0.33
Performance period	3 years
Common stock received for each vested award (in shares)	1
Performance shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incremental vesting	0.33
Performance period	3 years
RSUs and performance shares
Share units
Shares units outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	10,232,000
Granted (in shares)	5,524,000
Granted in acquisition (in shares)	8,234,000
Vested (in shares)	(6,667,000)
Forfeited (in shares)	(1,405,000)
Shares units outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	15,918,000	10,232,000
Weighted-average grant date fair value
Weighted average fair value outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 81.72
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	92.35
Granted in acquisition (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	83.96
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	80.09
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	84.13
Weighted average fair value outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 87.03	$ 81.72
Fair market value of awards vested | $	$ 618	$ 371	$ 583
Unrecognized compensation cost | $	$ 579
Period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	2 years

Equity - Cash Dividends (Detail

Equity - Cash Dividends (Details) - $ / shares	Oct. 30, 2020	Sep. 11, 2020	Jun. 17, 2020	Feb. 20, 2020	Nov. 01, 2019	Sep. 06, 2019	Jun. 20, 2019	Feb. 21, 2019	Nov. 02, 2018	Sep. 07, 2018	Jun. 14, 2018	Feb. 15, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.30	$ 1.18	$ 1.18	$ 1.18	$ 1.18	$ 1.07	$ 1.07	$ 1.07	$ 1.07	$ 0.96	$ 0.96	$ 0.96	$ 1.30	$ 4.84	$ 4.39	$ 3.95

Equity - Share Repurchase Progr

Equity - Share Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 13, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 15, 2018
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Payment for shares repurchased		$ 978	$ 428	$ 12,215
February 2018 Stock Repurchase Program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Amount authorized under stock repurchase program					$ 10,000
December 2018 Stock Repurchase Authorization
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (in shares)		8	4	109
Payment for shares repurchased		$ 757	$ 300	$ 10,700
Remaining share repurchase authorization amount		$ 3,200
Increase in authorized share repurchase amount	$ 5,000
Open Market Stock Repurchases
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (in shares)				11
Payment for shares repurchased				$ 1,300

Equity - Accumulated Other Comp

Equity - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	$ (8,172)	$ (8,446)	$ 5,097
Other comprehensive income (loss)	479	(1,116)	247
Ending balance	13,097	(8,172)	(8,446)
AOCI Attributable to Parent
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	(3,596)	(2,480)	(2,727)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	479	(1,116)	247
Ending balance	(3,117)	(3,596)	(2,480)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	(928)	(830)	(439)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,511	(98)	(391)
Net losses (gains) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,511	(98)	(391)
Ending balance	583	(928)	(830)
Net investment hedging activities
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	9	(65)	(203)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(785)	95	138
Net losses (gains) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(14)	(21)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(799)	74	138
Ending balance	(790)	9	(65)
Pension and post-employment benefits
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	(2,965)	(1,722)	(1,919)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(300)	(1,330)	84
Net losses (gains) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	198	87	113
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(102)	(1,243)	197
Ending balance	(3,067)	(2,965)	(1,722)
Marketable security activities
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	0	(10)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	12	(14)
Net losses (gains) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	(2)	4
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	10	(10)
Ending balance	0	0	(10)
Cash flow hedging activities
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	288	147	(166)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(108)	298	156
Net losses (gains) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(23)	(157)	157
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(131)	141	313
Ending balance	157	288	147
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Beginning balance	(3,596)	(2,480)	(2,727)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	318	(1,023)	(27)
Net losses (gains) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	161	(93)	274
Other comprehensive income (loss)	479	(1,116)	247
Ending balance	$ (3,117)	$ (3,596)	$ (2,480)

Equity - Amounts Reclassified O

Equity - Amounts Reclassified Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	[1]	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Significant amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI
Gain on derivative amount excluded from effectiveness testing				$ (2,280)	$ (1,509)	$ (1,144)
Tax expense (benefit)				(1,224)	544	(490)
Total reclassifications, net of tax		$ (36)		(4,616)	(7,882)	(5,687)
Losses (gains) on foreign currency exchange contracts				15,387	7,439	7,718
Pension and post-employment benefits
Significant amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI
Amortization of actuarial losses and other	[2]			251	110	141
Tax benefit				(53)	(23)	(28)
Total reclassifications, net of tax				198	87	113
Cash flow hedging activities
Significant amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI
Total reclassifications, net of tax				(23)	(157)	157
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive loss | Cash flow hedging activities
Significant amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI
Tax expense (benefit)				7	14	(4)
Total reclassifications, net of tax				(23)	(157)	157
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive loss | Net investment hedges | Net investment hedging activities
Significant amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI
Gain on derivative amount excluded from effectiveness testing	[3]			18	27	0
Tax expense (benefit)				4	6	0
Total reclassifications, net of tax				(14)	(21)	0
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive loss | Cash flow hedging activities
Significant amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI
Losses (gains) on foreign currency exchange contracts	[4]			(23)	(167)	161
Treasury rate lock agreements | Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive loss | Cash flow hedging activities
Significant amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI
Gain on derivative amount excluded from effectiveness testing	[3]			(24)	(3)	0
Interest rate swap contracts | Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive loss | Cash flow hedging activities
Significant amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI
Gain on derivative amount excluded from effectiveness testing				$ 17	$ (1)	$ 0
[1]	Fourth quarter results in 2020 included after-tax charges of $4.7 billion related to the change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities partially offset by an after-tax benefit of $1.5 billion due to impacts related to tax law changes.
[2]	Amounts are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 12).
[3]	Amounts are included in interest expense, net (see Note 11).
[4]	Amounts are included in cost of products sold (see Note 11).

Equity - Other (Details)

Equity - Other (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020$ / sharesshares
Equity [Abstract]
Preferred stock authorized (in shares)	200,000,000
Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.01
Preferred stock issued (in shares)	0

Income Taxes - Earnings Before

Income Taxes - Earnings Before Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ (4,467)	$ (2,784)	$ (4,274)
Foreign	7,865	11,210	9,471
Total earnings before income tax expense	$ 3,398	$ 8,426	$ 5,197

Income Taxes - Income Tax Expen

Income Taxes - Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current
Domestic	$ 907	$ 102	$ 593
Foreign	194	320	434
Total current taxes	1,101	422	1,027
Deferred
Domestic	(58)	(137)	(1,497)
Foreign	(2,267)	259	(20)
Total deferred taxes	(2,325)	122	(1,517)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ (1,224)	$ 544	$ (490)

Income Taxes - Effective Tax Ra

Income Taxes - Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Statutory tax rate	21.00%	21.00%	21.00%
Effect of foreign operations	2.40%	(8.40%)	(28.70%)
U.S. tax credits	(10.60%)	(3.30%)	(7.30%)
Impacts related to U.S. tax reform	(1.10%)	(1.60%)	8.20%
Non-deductible expenses	7.20%	1.00%	1.20%
Tax law changes and related restructuring	(48.50%)	3.10%	0.00%
Stock-based compensation excess tax benefit	(0.90%)	(0.20%)	(1.50%)
Tax audit settlements	(5.10%)	(4.70%)	(2.50%)
All other, net	(0.40%)	(0.40%)	0.20%
Effective tax rate	(36.00%)	6.50%	(9.40%)
Amount of net tax benefit related to changes in tax laws and related restructuring, including certain intra-group transfers of intellectual property and deferred tax remeasurement	$ 1.7

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Ass

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Deferred tax assets
Compensation and employee benefits	$ 1,109	$ 810
Accruals and reserves	438	371
Chargebacks and rebates	555	477
Advance payments	324	615
Net operating losses and other credit carryforwards	2,765	838
Other	1,371	406
Total deferred tax assets	6,562	3,517
Valuation allowances	(1,203)	(731)
Total net deferred tax assets	5,359	2,786
Deferred tax liabilities
Excess of book basis over tax basis of intangible assets	(5,274)	(2,712)
Excess of book basis over tax basis in investments	(335)	(249)
Other	(982)	(440)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(6,591)	(3,401)
Net deferred tax liabilities	(1,232)	(615)
Tax Credit Carryforward
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	1,203	$ 731
U.S. Federal and State
Tax Credit Carryforward
Tax credit carryforwards	293
U.S. Federal, State and Non-U.S.
Tax Credit Carryforward
Operating loss carryforwards with expiration through 2040	4,300
U.S. Federal and Non-U.S.
Tax Credit Carryforward
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 5,800

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Beginning balance	$ 2,661	$ 2,852	$ 2,701
Increase due to acquisition	2,674	0	0
Increase due to current year tax positions	91	113	163
Increase due to prior year tax positions	59	499	110
Decrease due to prior year tax positions	(7)	(21)	(36)
Settlements	(141)	(749)	(79)
Lapse of statutes of limitations	(73)	(33)	(7)
Ending balance	5,264	2,661	2,852
Net amount of potential tax benefits that would impact the entity's effective tax rate	5,000	2,400
Reimbursement receivable for unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties for periods after separation	81
Interest and penalties	142	51	73
Accrued interest and penalties	642	$ 191	$ 190
Reasonably possible amount that gross unrecognized tax benefits may change within the next twelve months, high end of range	$ 68

Legal Proceedings and Conting_2

Legal Proceedings and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended					3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020company	Aug. 31, 2019company	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016investment_fund	Sep. 30, 2014company	May 31, 2019company	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)claimlawsuit	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)claimclass_action	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)claimdirect_purchaser	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)end_payor_purchaserclaim	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)claimcompany	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)claiminvestment_fund	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)claim	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020investment_fund
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
Recorded accrual balance for litigation | $							$ 60	$ 60	$ 60	$ 60	$ 60	$ 60	$ 60	$ 290
Percentage of claims subject to settlement agreements													98.00%
Niaspan
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
Number of individual plaintiff lawsuits | lawsuit							4
Number of purported class actions | class_action								2
Number of healthcare benefit providers acting as plaintiff in lawsuit									1	1
AndroGel antitrust litigation, FTC v. AbbVie Inc.
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
Number of generic companies with whom certain litigation related agreements were entered into					2
Number of generic companies named in claim whose court finding was reversed	1
AndroGel antitrust litigation, FTC v. AbbVie Inc. | Disgorgement remedy
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
Damages awarded against company | $			$ 448
AndroGel antitrust litigation, King Drug Co. of Florence, Inc. v. AbbVie Inc.
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
Number of generic companies with whom certain litigation related agreements were entered into		3
Bystolic antitrust litigation
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
Number of generic companies with whom certain litigation related agreements were entered into											6
Prescription drug abuse litigation
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
Number of claims pending | claim							3,100	3,100	3,100	3,100	3,100	3,100	3,100
Prescription drug abuse litigation in state courts
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
Number of claims pending | claim							300	300	300	300	300	300	300
Elliott Associates, L.P.
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
Number of claims pending | investment_fund															1
Number of parties to lawsuit (in investment funds) | investment_fund				5
Number of plaintiff claims dismissed | investment_fund												3
Generic drug pricing securities litigation in U.S. District Court of New Jersey
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
Number of individual plaintiff lawsuits | lawsuit							1
Number of purported class actions | class_action								3
Depakote litigation in United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
Number of claims pending | claim							92	92	92	92	92	92	92
Depakote litigation in state court
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
Number of claims pending | claim							1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Humira Antitrust Litigation [Member]
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
Number of individual putative class action lawsuit						12
Other operating income
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies
Legal settlement income | $														$ 550

Segment and Geographic Area I_3

Segment and Geographic Area Information - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020segmentwholesaler
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Operating Segments | segment	1
Number of Principal US Customers | wholesaler	3

Segment and Geographic Area I_4

Segment and Geographic Area Information - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			$ 45,804		$ 33,266		$ 32,753
Total net revenues		$ 13,858	45,804		33,266		32,753
United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			34,879		23,907		21,524
All other
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			2,923		2,068		2,408
Immunology | Humira
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			19,832		19,169		19,936
Immunology | Humira | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			16,112		14,864		13,685
Immunology | Humira | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			3,720		4,305		6,251
Immunology | Skyrizi
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			1,590		355		0
Immunology | Skyrizi | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			1,385		311		0
Immunology | Skyrizi | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			205		44		0
Immunology | Rinvoq
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			731		47		0
Immunology | Rinvoq | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			653		47		0
Immunology | Rinvoq | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			78		0		0
Hematologic Oncology | Imbruvica
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			5,314		4,674		3,590
Hematologic Oncology | Imbruvica | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			4,305		3,830		2,968
Hematologic Oncology | Imbruvica | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Collaboration revenues			1,009		844		622
Hematologic Oncology | Venclexta
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			1,337		792		344
Hematologic Oncology | Venclexta | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			804		521		247
Hematologic Oncology | Venclexta | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			533		271		97
Aesthetics | Botox Cosmetic
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		1,112		0		0
Aesthetics | Botox Cosmetic | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		687		0		0
Aesthetics | Botox Cosmetic | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		425		0		0
Aesthetics | Juvederm Collection
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		718		0		0
Aesthetics | Juvederm Collection | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		318		0		0
Aesthetics | Juvederm Collection | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		400		0		0
Aesthetics | Other Aesthetics
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		760		0		0
Aesthetics | Other Aesthetics | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		666		0		0
Aesthetics | Other Aesthetics | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			94	[1]	0	[1]	0
Neuroscience | Botox Therapeutic
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		1,387		0		0
Neuroscience | Botox Therapeutic | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		1,155		0		0
Neuroscience | Botox Therapeutic | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		232		0		0
Neuroscience | Vraylar | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		951		0		0
Neuroscience | Duodopa
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			494		461		430
Neuroscience | Duodopa | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			103		97		80
Neuroscience | Duodopa | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			391		364		350
Neuroscience | Ubrelvy | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		125		0		0
Neuroscience | Other Neuroscience
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		539		0		0
Neuroscience | Other Neuroscience | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		528		0		0
Neuroscience | Other Neuroscience | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		11		0		0
Eye Care | Lumigan/Ganfort
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		378		0		0
Eye Care | Lumigan/Ganfort | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		165		0		0
Eye Care | Lumigan/Ganfort | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		213		0		0
Eye Care | Alphagan/Combigan
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		326		0		0
Eye Care | Alphagan/Combigan | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		223		0		0
Eye Care | Alphagan/Combigan | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		103		0		0
Eye Care | Restasis
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		787		0		0
Eye Care | Restasis | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		755		0		0
Eye Care | Restasis | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		32		0		0
Eye Care | Other Eye Care
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		693		0		0
Eye Care | Other Eye Care | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		305		0		0
Eye Care | Other Eye Care | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		388		0		0
Women's Health | Lo Loestrin
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		356		0		0
Women's Health | Lo Loestrin | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		346		0		0
Women's Health | Lo Loestrin | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		10		0		0
Women's Health | Orilissa/Oriahnn
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			125		93		11
Women's Health | Orilissa/Oriahnn | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			121		91		11
Women's Health | Orilissa/Oriahnn | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			4		2		0
Women's Health | Other Women's Health
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		192		0		0
Women's Health | Other Women's Health | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		181		0		0
Women's Health | Other Women's Health | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		11		0		0
Other Key Products | Mavyret
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			1,830		2,893		3,438
Other Key Products | Mavyret | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			785		1,473		1,614
Other Key Products | Mavyret | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			1,045		1,420		1,824
Other Key Products | Creon | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			1,114		1,041		928
Other Key Products | Lupron
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			752		887		892
Other Key Products | Lupron | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			600		720		726
Other Key Products | Lupron | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			152		167		166
Other Key Products | Linzess/Constella
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		667		0		0
Other Key Products | Linzess/Constella | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		649		0		0
Other Key Products | Linzess/Constella | International
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues	[1]		18		0		0
Other Key Products | Synthroid | United States
Disaggregation of Revenue
Net revenues			$ 771		$ 786		$ 776
[1]	Net revenues include Allergan product revenues from the date of the acquisition, May 8, 2020, through December 31, 2020.

Segment and Geographic Area I_5

Segment and Geographic Area Information - Net Revenues to External Customers by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net revenues	$ 45,804	$ 33,266	$ 32,753
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net revenues	34,879	23,907	21,524
Japan
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net revenues	1,198	1,211	1,591
Canada
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net revenues	1,159	813	730
Germany
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net revenues	1,049	909	1,292
France
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net revenues	797	695	783
Australia
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net revenues	527	395	350
United Kingdom
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net revenues	509	372	855
China
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net revenues	471	195	152
Spain
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net revenues	453	472	611
Brazil
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net revenues	406	359	350
Italy
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net revenues	379	372	652
All other countries
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Net revenues	$ 3,977	$ 3,566	$ 3,863

Segment and Geographic Area I_6

Segment and Geographic Area Information - Long-lived Assets by Geographic Region (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Total long-lived assets	$ 5,248	$ 2,962
United States and Puerto Rico
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Total long-lived assets	3,354	2,026
Europe
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Total long-lived assets	1,534	646
All other
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets
Total long-lived assets	$ 360	$ 290

Fourth Quarter Financial Resu_3

Fourth Quarter Financial Results (unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Oct. 30, 2020	Sep. 11, 2020	Jun. 17, 2020	Feb. 20, 2020	Nov. 01, 2019	Sep. 06, 2019	Jun. 20, 2019	Feb. 21, 2019	Nov. 02, 2018	Sep. 07, 2018	Jun. 14, 2018	Feb. 15, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net revenues													$ 13,858		$ 45,804	$ 33,266	$ 32,753
Gross margin													9,174
Net earnings attributable to AbbVie Inc.													$ 36	[1]	$ 4,616	$ 7,882	$ 5,687
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)													$ 0.01		$ 2.73	$ 5.30	$ 3.67
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)													0.01		2.72	5.28	3.66
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.30	$ 1.18	$ 1.18	$ 1.18	$ 1.18	$ 1.07	$ 1.07	$ 1.07	$ 1.07	$ 0.96	$ 0.96	$ 0.96	$ 1.30		$ 4.84	$ 4.39	$ 3.95
After-tax cost related to change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities													$ 4,700		$ 5,753	$ 3,091	$ 49
After-tax benefit due to impacts related to tax law changes													$ 1,500
[1]	Fourth quarter results in 2020 included after-tax charges of $4.7 billion related to the change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities partially offset by an after-tax benefit of $1.5 billion due to impacts related to tax law changes.