Abbott Laboratories (ABT) 10-K 27 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	ABBOTT LABORATORIES
Entity Central Index Key	1800
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$59,983,011,611
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,508,977,828
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated_Statement_of_Earn

Consolidated Statement of Earnings (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings
Net Sales	$20,247	$19,657	$19,050
Cost of products sold, excluding amortization of intangible assets	9,218	9,193	8,899
Amortization of intangible assets	555	588	595
Research and development	1,345	1,371	1,461
Selling, general and administrative	6,530	6,372	6,735
Total Operating Cost and Expenses	17,648	17,524	17,690
Operating Earnings	2,599	2,133	1,360
Interest expense	150	145	320
Interest income	-77	-67	-59
Net loss on extinguishment of debt	18		1,351
Net foreign exchange (gain) loss	-24	46	-31
Other (income) expense, net	14	-32	-1
Earnings (loss) from Continuing Operations before Taxes	2,518	2,041	-220
Taxes on Earnings (loss) from Continuing Operations	797	53	-457
Earnings from Continuing Operations	1,721	1,988	237
Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes	563	588	5,726
Net Earnings	$2,284	$2,576	$5,963
Basic Earnings Per Common Share
Continuing Operations (in dollars per share)	$1.13	$1.27	$0.15
Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share)	$0.37	$0.37	$3.61
Net Earnings (in dollars per share)	$1.50	$1.64	$3.76
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
Continuing Operations (in dollars per share)	$1.12	$1.26	$0.15
Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share)	$0.37	$0.36	$3.57
Net Earnings (in dollars per share)	$1.49	$1.62	$3.72
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Used for Basic Earnings Per Common Share (in shares)	1,516	1,558	1,575
Dilutive Common Stock Options and Awards (in shares)	11	16	17
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Plus Dilutive Common Stock Options and Awards (in shares)	1,527	1,574	1,592
Outstanding Common Stock Options Having No Dilutive Effect (in shares)	1	1	1

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Net Earnings	$905	$589	$2,284	$2,576	$5,963
Less: Earnings from Discontinued Operations			563	588	5,726
Earnings from Continuing Operations	634	483	1,721	1,988	237
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) adjustments			-2,206	-239	-7
Net actuarial gains (losses) and prior service cost and credits and amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service cost and credits, net of taxes of $(459) in 2014, $393 in 2013 and $(276) in 2012			-917	882	-865
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable equity securities, net of taxes of $(7) in 2014 and $(10) in 2013 and ($4) in 2012			-12	-18	-7
Net gains (losses)on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $24 in 2014, $(13) in 2013 and $(29) in 2012			94	-53	-118
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			-3,041	572	-997
Comprehensive Income (Loss)			-757	3,148	4,966
Supplemental Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information, net of tax as of December 31:
Cumulative foreign currency translation (loss) adjustments	-2,924	-718	-2,924	-718	-79
Net actuarial (losses) and prior service (cost) and credits	-2,229	-1,312	-2,229	-1,312	-3,596
Cumulative unrealized gains on marketable equity securities	1	13	1	13	31
Cumulative gains on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	$99	$5	$99	$5	$50

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp1

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Net actuarial gains (losses) and amortization of net actuarial (losses) and prior service (cost) and credits, taxes	($459)	$393	($276)
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable equity securities, taxes	-7	-10	-4
Net adjustments for derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, taxes	$24	($13)	($29)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flow From (Used in) Operating Activities:
Net earnings	$2,284	$2,576	$5,963
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities -
Depreciation	918	928	1,363
Amortization of intangible assets	630	791	1,419
Share-based compensation	246	262	433
Acquired in-process and collaborations research and development			288
Investing and financing (gains) losses, net	69	4	356
Net loss on extinguishment of debt	18		1,351
Trade receivables	-195	-113	36
Inventories	-297	-154	-417
Prepaid expenses and other assets	30	131	-35
Trade accounts payable and other liabilities	-225	-436	-134
Income taxes	197	-665	-1,309
Net Cash From Operating Activities	3,675	3,324	9,314
Cash Flow From (Used in) Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of property and equipment	-1,077	-1,145	-1,795
Acquisitions of businesses and technology, net of cash acquired	-3,317	-580	-706
Purchases of investment securities	-1,507	-10,064	-11,998
Proceeds from sales of investment securities	5,624	7,839	8,936
Other	75	21	3
Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities	-202	-3,929	-5,560
Cash Flow From (Used in) Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of (repayments of) short-term debt and other	1,343	2,086	784
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt and debt with maturities over 3 months		9	14,700
Repayments of long-term debt and debt with maturities over 3 months	-577	-303	-11,071
Acquisition and contingent consideration payments related to business acquisitions	-400	-495	-521
Transfer of cash and cash equivalents to AbbVie Inc.		-5,901
Purchases of common shares	-2,195	-1,605	-2,364
Proceeds from stock options exercised, including income tax benefit	429	395	1,850
Dividends paid	-1,342	-882	-3,183
Net Cash (Used in) Financing Activities	-2,742	-6,696	195
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-143	-26	40
Net Decrease (Increase) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	588	-7,327	3,989
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year	3,475	10,802	6,813
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	4,063	3,475	10,802
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Income taxes paid	448	1,039	1,367
Interest paid	$182	$148	$576

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$4,063	$3,475
Investments, primarily bank time deposits and U.S. treasury bills	397	4,623
Trade receivables, less allowances of - 2014: $310; 2013: $312	3,586	3,986
Inventories:
Finished products	1,807	1,866
Work in process	278	349
Materials	558	478
Total inventories	2,643	2,693
Deferred income taxes	1,705	2,528
Other prepaid expenses and receivables	1,975	1,504
Current assets held for disposition	892	438
Total Current Assets	15,261	19,247
Investments	229	119
Property and Equipment, at Cost:
Land	457	502
Buildings	2,968	2,994
Equipment	8,480	8,506
Construction in progress	727	868
Property and Equipment, at cost	12,632	12,870
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	6,697	6,965
Net property and equipment	5,935	5,905
Intangible assets, net of amortization	6,198	5,735
Goodwill	10,067	9,772
Deferred income taxes and other assets	1,651	2,109
Non-current assets held for disposition	1,934	66
Total Assets	41,275	42,953
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	4,382	3,164
Trade accounts payable	1,064	1,026
Salaries, wages and commissions	776	906
Other accrued liabilities	2,943	3,500
Dividends payable	362	341
Income taxes payable	270	175
Current portion of long-term debt	55	9
Current liabilities held for disposition	680	386
Total Current Liabilities	10,532	9,507
Long-term debt	3,408	3,388
Post-employment Obligations and other long - term Liabilities	5,588	4,784
Non-current liabilities held for disposition	108	7
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' Investment:
Preferred shares, one dollar par value Authorized - 1,000,000 shares, none issued
Common shares, without par value Authorized - 2,400,000,000 shares Issued at stated capital amount - Shares: 2014: 1,694,929,949; 2013: 1,685,827,096	12,383	12,048
Common shares held in treasury, at cost - Shares: 2014: 186,894,515; 2013: 137,728,810	-8,678	-6,844
Earnings employed in the business	22,874	21,979
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-5,053	-2,012
Total Abbott Shareholders' Investment	21,526	25,171
Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries	113	96
Total Shareholders' Investment	21,639	25,267
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment	$41,275	$42,953

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
Trade receivables, allowances (in dollars)	$310	$312
Preferred shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred shares, Authorized shares	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred shares, issued shares	0	0
Common shares, Authorized shares	2,400,000,000	2,400,000,000
Common shares, Issued shares	1,694,929,949	1,685,827,096
Common shares held in treasury, shares	186,894,515	137,728,810

Consolidated_Statement_of_Shar

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Investment (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning of Year		$25,267			$25,267
Net earnings	905	375	589	545	2,284	2,576	5,963
Separation of AbbVie						1,010
Other comprehensive income (loss)					-3,041	572	-997
End of Year	21,639		25,267		21,639	25,267
Common Shares:
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning of Year		12,048		11,755	12,048	11,755	9,817
Issued under incentive stock programs					404	393	1,854
Share-based compensation					245	261	435
Issuance of restricted stock awards					-314	-361	-351
End of Year	12,383		12,048		12,383	12,048	11,755
Common Shares Held in Treasury:
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning of Year		-6,844		-5,591	-6,844	-5,591	-3,688
Issued under incentive stock programs					283	310	363
Purchased					-2,117	-1,563	-2,266
End of Year	-8,678		-6,844		-8,678	-6,844	-5,591
Earnings Employed in the Business:
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning of Year		21,979		24,151	21,979	24,151	20,907
Net earnings					2,284	2,576	5,963
Separation of AbbVie						-3,735
Cash dividends declared on common shares (per share - 2014: $0.90; 2013: $0.64; 2012: $1.67)					-1,363	-1,002	-2,650
Effect of common and treasury share transactions					-26	-11	-69
End of Year	22,874		21,979		22,874	21,979	24,151
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning of Year		-2,012		-3,594	-2,012	-3,594	-2,597
Separation of AbbVie						1,010
Other comprehensive income (loss)					-3,041	572	-997
End of Year	-5,053		-2,012		-5,053	-2,012	-3,594
Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries:
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning of Year		96		92	96	92	86
Noncontrolling Interests' share of income, business combinations, net of distributions and share repurchases					17	4	6
End of Year	$113		$96		$113	$96	$92

Consolidated_Statement_of_Shar1

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Investment (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common Shares:
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Balance Beginning of Year (in shares)	1,685,827,096	1,675,930,484	1,638,870,201
Issued under incentive stock programs (in shares)	9,102,853	9,896,612	37,060,283
Balance End of Year (in shares)	1,694,929,949	1,685,827,096	1,675,930,484
Common Shares Held in Treasury:
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Balance Beginning of Year (in shares)	137,728,810	99,262,992	68,491,382
Issued under incentive stock programs (in shares)	5,818,599	5,718,575	6,691,748
Purchased: treasury shares (in shares)	54,984,304	44,184,393	37,463,358
Balance End of Year (in shares)	186,894,515	137,728,810	99,262,992
Earnings Employed in the Business:
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	0.9	0.64	1.67

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	NATURE OF BUSINESS — Abbott's principal business is the discovery, development, manufacture and sale of a broad line of health care products.
	CHANGES IN PRESENTATION — On January 1, 2013, Abbott completed the separation of AbbVie Inc., which was formed to hold Abbott's research-based proprietary pharmaceuticals business. The historical operating results of the research-based proprietary pharmaceuticals business prior to separation are excluded from Earnings from Continuing Operations and are presented on the Earnings from Discontinued Operations line in Abbott's Consolidated Statement of Earnings. The assets, liabilities, and cash flows of the research-based proprietary pharmaceuticals business are included in Abbott's Consolidated Balance Sheet and its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for periods prior to January 1, 2013. See Note 2 for additional information.
	In July 2014, Abbott announced that it will sell its developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business to Mylan Inc. (Mylan) for equity ownership of a newly formed entity that will combine Mylan's existing business and Abbott's developed markets pharmaceuticals business, and will be publicly traded. The sale of this business  closed on February 17, 2015. In November 2014, Abbott entered into an agreement to sell its animal health business to Zoetis Inc. The sale of this business closed on February 10, 2015. The historical operating results of these businesses are excluded from Earnings from Continuing Operations and are presented on the Earnings from Discontinued Operations line in Abbott's Consolidated Statement of Earnings. The assets and liabilities of these businesses are being reported as held for sale in Abbott's Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014. The cash flows of these businesses are included in its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for all periods presented. See Note 3 — Discontinued Operations for additional information.
	BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany transactions.
	USE OF ESTIMATES — The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and necessarily include amounts based on estimates and assumptions by management. Actual results could differ from those amounts. Significant estimates include amounts for sales rebates; income taxes; pension and other post-employment benefits, including certain asset values that are based on significant unobservable inputs; valuation of intangible assets; litigation; derivative financial instruments; and inventory and accounts receivable exposures.
	FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION — The statements of earnings of foreign subsidiaries whose functional currencies are other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates for the period. The net assets of foreign subsidiaries whose functional currencies are other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. The U.S. dollar effects that arise from translating the net assets of these subsidiaries at changing rates are recorded in the foreign currency translation adjustment account, which is included in equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Transaction gains and losses are recorded in earnings and were not significant for any of the periods presented.
	REVENUE RECOGNITION — Revenue from product sales is recognized upon passage of title and risk of loss to customers. Provisions for discounts, rebates and sales incentives to customers, and returns and other adjustments are provided for in the period the related sales are recorded. Sales incentives to customers are not material. Historical data is readily available and reliable, and is used for estimating the amount of the reduction in gross sales. Revenue from the launch of a new product, from an improved version of an existing product, or for shipments in excess of a customer's normal requirements are recorded when the conditions noted above are met. In those situations, management records a returns reserve for such revenue, if necessary. In certain of Abbott's businesses, primarily within diagnostics and medical optics, Abbott participates in selling arrangements that include multiple deliverables (e.g., instruments, reagents, procedures, and service agreements). Under these arrangements, Abbott recognizes revenue upon delivery of the product or performance of the service and allocates the revenue based on the relative selling price of each deliverable, which is based primarily on vendor specific objective evidence. Sales of product rights for marketable products are recorded as revenue upon disposition of the rights. Revenue from license of product rights, or for performance of research or selling activities, is recorded over the periods earned.
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a single comprehensive model for accounting for revenue from contracts with customers and will supersede most existing revenue recognition guidance. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard becomes effective for Abbott in the first quarter of 2017. Abbott is currently evaluating the effect, if any, that the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
	INCOME TAXES — Deferred income taxes are provided for the tax effect of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements at the enacted statutory rate to be in effect when the taxes are paid. U.S. income taxes are provided on those earnings of foreign subsidiaries which are intended to be remitted to the parent company. Deferred income taxes are not provided on undistributed earnings reinvested indefinitely in foreign subsidiaries as working capital and plant and equipment. Interest and penalties on income tax obligations are included in taxes on income.
	EARNINGS PER SHARE — Unvested restricted stock that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are treated as participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net earnings are allocated between common shares and participating securities. Earnings from Continuing Operations allocated to common shares in 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $1.713 billion, $1.979 billion and $236 million, respectively. Net earnings allocated to common shares in 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $2.273 billion, $2.558 billion and $5.917 billion, respectively.
	PENSION AND POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS — Abbott accrues for the actuarially determined cost of pension and post-employment benefits over the service attribution periods of the employees. Abbott must develop long-term assumptions, the most significant of which are the health care cost trend rates, discount rates and the expected return on plan assets. Differences between the expected long-term return on plan assets and the actual return are amortized over a five-year period. Actuarial losses and gains are amortized over the remaining service attribution periods of the employees under the corridor method.
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — For assets and liabilities that are measured using quoted prices in active markets, total fair value is the published market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held without consideration of transaction costs. Assets and liabilities that are measured using significant other observable inputs are valued by reference to similar assets or liabilities, adjusted for contract restrictions and other terms specific to that asset or liability. For these items, a significant portion of fair value is derived by reference to quoted prices of similar assets or liabilities in active markets. For all remaining assets and liabilities, fair value is derived using a fair value model, such as a discounted cash flow model or Black-Scholes model. Purchased intangible assets are recorded at fair value. The fair value of significant purchased intangible assets is based on independent appraisals. Abbott uses a discounted cash flow model to value intangible assets. The discounted cash flow model requires assumptions about the timing and amount of future net cash flows, risk, the cost of capital, terminal values and market participants. Intangible assets, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment at least on a quarterly and annual basis, respectively.
	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION — The value of stock options and restricted stock awards and units are amortized over their requisite service period, which could be shorter than the vesting period if an employee is retirement eligible, with a charge to compensation expense.
	LITIGATION — Abbott accounts for litigation losses in accordance with FASB ASC No. 450, "Contingencies." Under ASC No. 450, 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 is recorded. Legal fees are recorded as incurred.
	CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND INVESTMENTS — Cash equivalents consist of bank time deposits and U.S. treasury bills with original maturities of three months or less. Investments in two publicly traded companies, with a carrying value of approximately $95 million, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. All other investments in marketable equity 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 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Investments in equity securities that are not traded on public stock exchanges are recorded at cost. Investments in debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity, as management has both the intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity, and are reported at cost, net of any unamortized premium or discount. Income relating to these securities is reported as interest income.
	Abbott reviews the carrying value of investments each quarter to determine whether an other than temporary decline in fair value exists. Abbott considers factors affecting the investee, factors affecting the industry the investee operates in and general equity market trends. Abbott considers the length of time an investment's fair value has been below carrying value and the near-term prospects for recovery to carrying value. When Abbott determines that an other than temporary decline has occurred, the investment is written down with a charge to Other (income) expense, net.
	TRADE RECEIVABLE VALUATIONS — Accounts receivable are stated at their net realizable value. The allowance against gross trade receivables reflects the best estimate of probable losses inherent in the receivables portfolio determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts and other currently available information. Accounts receivable are charged off after all reasonable means to collect the full amount (including litigation, where appropriate) have been exhausted.
	INVENTORIES — Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market. Cost includes material and conversion costs.
	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT — Depreciation and amortization are provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The following table shows estimated useful lives of property and equipment:
	Classification	Estimated Useful Lives
	Buildings	10 to 50 years (average 27 years)
	Equipment	3 to 20 years (average 11 years)
	PRODUCT LIABILITY — Abbott accrues for product liability claims when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on existing information. The liabilities are adjusted quarterly as additional information becomes available. Receivables for insurance recoveries for product liability claims are recorded as assets, on an undiscounted basis, when it is probable that a recovery will be realized. Product liability losses are self-insured.
	RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS — Internal research and development 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 arrangements, the milestone payment obligations are expensed when the milestone results are achieved.
	ACQUIRED IN-PROCESS AND COLLABORATIONS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (IPR&D) — The initial costs of rights to IPR&D projects obtained in an asset acquisition are expensed as IPR&D 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. The fair value of IPR&D projects acquired in a business combination are capitalized and accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets until completed and are then amortized over the remaining useful life. Collaborations are not significant for continuing operations.
	CONCENTRATION OF RISK AND GUARANTEES — Due to the nature of its operations, Abbott is not subject to significant concentration risks relating to customers, products or geographic locations. Governmental accounts in Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal accounted for 9 percent and 12 percent of total net trade receivables as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Product warranties are not significant.
	Abbott has no material exposures to off-balance sheet arrangements; no special purpose entities; nor activities, that include non-exchange-traded contracts accounted for at fair value. Abbott has periodically entered into agreements in the ordinary course of business, such as assignment of product rights, with other companies, which has resulted in Abbott becoming secondarily liable for obligations that Abbott was previously primarily liable. Since Abbott no longer maintains a business relationship with the other parties, Abbott is unable to develop an estimate of the maximum potential amount of future payments, if any, under these obligations. Based upon past experience, the likelihood of payments under these agreements is remote. Abbott periodically acquires a business or product rights in which Abbott agrees to pay contingent consideration based on attaining certain thresholds or based on the occurrence of certain events.

Separation_of_AbbVie_Inc

Separation of AbbVie Inc.	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Separation of AbbVie Inc.
Separation of AbbVie Inc.
	Note 2 — Separation of AbbVie Inc.
	On January 1, 2013, Abbott completed the separation of AbbVie Inc. (AbbVie), which was formed to hold Abbott's research-based proprietary pharmaceuticals business. Abbott and AbbVie entered into transitional services agreements prior to the separation pursuant to which Abbott and AbbVie are providing to each other, on an interim transitional basis, various services. Transition services may be provided for up to 24 months with an option for a one-year extension by the recipient. Services being provided by Abbott include certain information technology and back office support. Billings by Abbott under these transitional services agreements are recorded as a reduction of the costs to provide the respective service in the applicable expense category in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. This transitional support will enable AbbVie to establish its stand-alone processes for various activities that were previously provided by Abbott and does not constitute significant continuing support of AbbVie's operations.
	For a small portion of AbbVie's operations, the legal transfer of AbbVie's assets (net of liabilities) did not occur with the separation of AbbVie on January 1, 2013 due to the time required to transfer marketing authorizations and other regulatory requirements in each of these countries. Under the terms of the separation agreement with Abbott, AbbVie is subject to the risks and entitled to the benefits generated by these operations and assets. The majority of these operations were transferred to AbbVie in 2013 and 2014 with the remainder expected to be transferred in 2015. These assets and liabilities have been presented as held for disposition in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. At December 31, 2014, the assets and liabilities held for disposition consist of trade accounts receivable of $79 million, inventories of $45 million, equipment of $3 million, other assets of $30 million, and trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $277 million. Abbott's obligation to transfer the net liabilities held for disposition to AbbVie of $120 million is included in Other prepaid assets.
	Abbott has retained all liabilities for all U.S. federal and foreign income taxes on income prior to the separation, as well as certain non-income taxes attributable to AbbVie's business. AbbVie generally will be liable for all other taxes attributable to its business.
	Earnings from discontinued operations include the recognition of $166 million and $193 million of net tax benefits in 2014 and 2013, respectively, primarily as a result of the resolution of various tax positions related to AbbVie's operations for years prior to the separation.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations.
Discontinued Operations	Note 3 — Discontinued Operations
	In July 2014, Abbott announced that it will sell its developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business to Mylan Inc. (Mylan) for 110 million shares of a newly formed entity that will combine Mylan's existing business and Abbott's developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business, and will be publicly traded. Historically, this business was included in Abbott's Established Pharmaceutical Products segment. Abbott will retain its branded generics pharmaceuticals business in emerging markets. At the close of this transaction Abbott and Mylan entered into transitional services agreements pursuant to which Abbott and Mylan will provide various back office support services to each other on an interim transitional basis. Transition services may be provided for up to 2 years. Charges by Abbott under these transitional services agreements will be recorded as a reduction of the costs to provide the respective service in the applicable expense category in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. This transitional support will not constitute significant continuing support of Mylan's operations. Abbott also entered into manufacturing supply agreements with Mylan related to certain products, with the supply term ranging from 3 to 10 years and requiring a 2 year notice prior to termination. The cash flows associated with these transitional service and manufacturing supply agreements are not expected to be significant. The transaction closed on February 27, 2015.
	In November 2014, Abbott entered into an agreement to sell its animal health business to Zoetis Inc. This transaction closed on February 10, 2015.
	As a result of the disposition of the above businesses and the separation of AbbVie, the current and prior year operating results of these businesses are reported as part of discontinued operations on the Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of tax line in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Discontinued operations include an allocation of interest expense assuming a uniform ratio of consolidated debt to equity for all of Abbott's historical operations.
	The operating results of Abbott's developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals, animal health and AbbVie businesses, which are being reported as discontinued operations are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31
	(in millions)	2014		2013		2012
	Net Sales
	Developed markets generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses	$	2,076	$	2,191	$	2,444
	AbbVie		—		—		18,380
	Total	$	2,076	$	2,191	$	20,824
	Earnings Before Tax
	Developed markets generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses	$	505	$	480	$	525
	AbbVie		—		—		5,958
	Total	$	505	$	480	$	6,483
	Net Earnings
	Developed markets generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses	$	397	$	395	$	342
	AbbVie		166		193		5,384
	Total	$	563	$	588	$	5,726
	Income tax expense (benefit) included in discontinued operations totaled $(58) million in 2014, $(108) million in 2013 and $757 million in 2012.
	The assets of the operations held for disposition and the liabilities to be assumed in the disposition related to the businesses noted above, as well as the AbbVie assets and liabilities discussed in Note 2 are classified as held for disposition in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014. Prior period balance sheets are not adjusted when a business is designated as being held for sale. The cash flows associated with the developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals businesses will be included in Abbott's Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows up through the date of disposition. The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities held for disposition:
	(in millions)	December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Trade receivables, net	$	498	$	163
	Total inventories		254		243
	Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables		140		32
	Current assets held for disposition		892		438
	Net property and equipment		125		28
	Intangible assets, net of amortization		804		—
	Goodwill		950		—
	Deferred income taxes and other assets		55		38
	Non-current assets held for disposition		1,934		66
	Total assets held for disposition		2,826		504
	Trade accounts payable		423		285
	Salaries, wages, commissions and other accrued liabilities		257		101
	Current liabilities held for disposition		680		386
	Post-employment obligations, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities		108		7
	Total liabilities held for disposition	$	788	$	393

Supplemental_Financial_Informa

Supplemental Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Financial Information
Supplemental Financial Information
	Note 4 — Supplemental Financial Information
	Other (income) expense, net, for 2014 primarily relates to impairment charges related to non-publically traded equity securities partially offset by gains from the sales of equity securities. The loss on the extinguishment of debt of $18 million in 2014 and $1.35 billion in 2012 relates to the early redemption of approximately $500 million and $7.7 billion of long-term notes, respectively. The loss in 2012 consists of the premium paid on the notes and the write off of deferred financing costs totaling $1.83 billion and was partially offset by a gain of $479 million related to the unwinding of interest rate swaps related to a portion of the debt. The detail of various balance sheet components is as follows:
			2014		2013
			(in millions)
	Long-term Investments:
	Equity securities		$	212	$	93
	Other			17		26
	Total		$	229	$	119
	The increase in long-term investments from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014 is due primarily to the acquisition of CFR Pharmaceuticals in 2014.
			2014		2013
			(in millions)
	Other Accrued Liabilities:
	Accrued rebates payable to government agencies		$	88	$	136
	Accrued other rebates (a)			239		220
	All other (b)			2,616		3,144
	Total		$	2,943	$	3,500
	(a)	Accrued wholesaler chargeback rebates of $50 million and $90 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are netted in trade receivables because Abbott's customers are invoiced at a higher catalog price but only remit to Abbott their contract price for the products.
	(b)	2013 includes acquisition consideration payable of approximately $400 million related primarily to the acquisition of Piramal Healthcare Limited's Healthcare Solutions business.
			2014		2013
			(in millions)
	Post-employment Obligations and Other Long-term Liabilities:
	Defined benefit pension plans and post-employment medical and dental plans for significant plans		$	2,875	$	1,818
	Deferred income taxes			860		466
	All other (c)			1,853		2,500
	Total		$	5,588	$	4,784
	(c)	2014 includes $1.3 billion of gross unrecognized tax benefits, as well as approximately $220 million of acquisition consideration payable. 2013 includes $1.3 billion of gross unrecognized tax benefits, as well as $70 million of acquisition consideration payable.
	Since January 2010, Venezuela has been designated as a highly inflationary economy under U.S. GAAP. In 2014, the government of Venezuela operated multiple mechanisms to exchange bolivars into U.S. dollars. In 2014, Abbott continued to use the official rate of 6.3 Venezuelan bolivars to the U.S. dollar to report the results, financial position, and cash flows related to its operations in Venezuela since Abbott continued to qualify for this exchange rate to pay for the import of various products into Venezuela. Abbott cannot predict whether there will be a devaluation of the Venezuelan bolivar or whether it will continue to be able to exchange bolivars at the 6.3 rate. As of December 31, 2014, Abbott had net monetary assets that are subject to revaluation in Venezuela of approximately $240 million. In 2014, revenue from operations in Venezuela represented approximately 2% of Abbott's total net sales.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Note 5 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The components of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income from continuing operations, net of income taxes, are as follows: (in millions)
			Cumulative			Net			Cumulative			Cumulative			Total
			Foreign			Actuarial			Unrealized			Gains on
			Currency			Losses and			Gains on			Derivative
			Translation			Prior			Marketable			Instruments
			Adjustments			Service			Equity			Designated as
						Costs and			Securities			Cash Flow
						Credits						Hedges
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	(79	)	$	(3,596	)	$	31		$	50		$	(3,594	)
	Separation of AbbVie			(400	)		1,402			—			8			1,010
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(239	)		771			22			(23	)		531
	Income (loss) amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (a)			—			111			(40	)		(30	)		41
	Net current period comprehensive income (loss)			(239	)		882			(18	)		(53	)		572
	Balance at December 31, 2013			(718	)		(1,312	)		13			5			(2,012	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(2,206	)		(970	)		4			106			(3,066	)
	Income (loss) amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (a)			—			53			(16	)		(12	)		25
	Net current period comprehensive income (loss)			(2,206	)		(917	)		(12	)		94			(3,041	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	(2,924	)	$	(2,229	)	$	1		$	99		$	(5,053	)
	(a)	Reclassified amounts for foreign currency translation are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings as Net Foreign exchange loss (gain); gains on marketable equity securities are recorded as Other (income) expense and gains/losses related to cash flow hedges are recorded as Cost of product sold. Net actuarial losses and prior service cost is included as a component of net periodic benefit plan cost — see Note 13 for additional information.

Business_Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisitions
Business Acquisitions
	Note 6 — Business Acquisitions
	In September 2014, Abbott completed the acquisition of the controlling interest in CFR Pharmaceuticals S.A. (CFR) for approximately $2.9 billion in cash ($2.8 billion net of CFR cash on hand at closing). Including the assumption of approximately $570 million of debt, the total cost of the acquisition was $3.4 billion. The acquisition of CFR more than doubles Abbott's branded generics pharmaceutical presence in Latin America and further expands its presence in emerging markets. CFR's financial results are included in Abbott's financial statements beginning on September 26, 2014, the date that Abbott acquired control of this business. The impact of the acquired operations on Abbott's operating results was not significant for 2014. Abbott owns 99.9% of the outstanding ordinary shares of CFR. The fair value of the non-controlling interest at the acquisition date was approximately $3 million. The acquisition was funded with cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. The preliminary allocation of the fair value of the acquisition is shown in the table below. The allocation of the fair value of the acquisition will be finalized when the valuation is completed.
	(in billions)
	Acquired intangible assets, non-deductible	$	1.8
	Goodwill, non-deductible		1.59
	Acquired net tangible assets		0.07
	Deferred income taxes recorded at acquisition		(0.54	)
	Total preliminary allocation of fair value	$	2.92
	Acquired intangible assets consist primarily of product rights for currently marketed products and are amortized over 12 to 16 years (average of 15 years). The goodwill is primarily attributable to intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. The goodwill is identifiable to the Established Pharmaceutical Products segment. The acquired tangible assets consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents of approximately $94 million, trade accounts receivable of approximately $179 million, inventory of approximately $177 million, other current assets of approximately $51 million, property and equipment of approximately $214 million, and other long-term assets of approximately $138 million. Assumed liabilities consist of borrowings of approximately $570 million, trade accounts payable and other current liabilities of approximately $192 million and other noncurrent liabilities of approximately $15 million.
	Annualized net sales for CFR Pharmaceuticals are expected to total approximately $800 million. Had the acquisition of CFR Pharmaceuticals taken place on January 1, 2013, the consolidated net sales and earnings of Abbott would not have been significantly different from the reported amounts.
	In December 2014, Abbott acquired control of Veropharm, a leading Russian pharmaceutical company for approximately $315 million excluding assumed debt. Through this acquisition, Abbott establishes a manufacturing footprint in Russia and obtains a portfolio of medicines that is well aligned with Abbott's current pharmaceutical therapeutic areas of focus. Abbott acquired control of Veropharm through its purchase of Limited Liability Company Garden Hills, the holding company that owns approximately 98 percent of Veropharm. Including the assumption of approximately $90 million of debt and a minority interest with a fair value of $5 million, the total value of the acquired business was approximately $410 million. The preliminary allocation of the fair value of the acquisition resulted in definite-lived non-deductible intangible assets of approximately $120 million, non-deductible goodwill of approximately $60 million, and net deferred tax liabilities of approximately $35 million. Non-deductible goodwill is identifiable with the Established Pharmaceutical Products segment. Additionally, Abbott acquired property, plant, and equipment of approximately $185 million, accounts receivable of approximately $45 million, inventory of approximately $25 million, and other assets of approximately $10 million. Acquired intangible assets consist of developed technology and are being amortized over 16 years.
	In December 2014, Abbott completed the acquisition of Topera, Inc. for approximately $250 million in cash, plus additional payments up to $300 million to be made upon completion of certain regulatory and sales milestones. The acquisition of Topera provides Abbott a foundational entry in the electrophysiology market. The allocation of the fair value of the acquisition resulted in non-deductible acquired in-process research and development of approximately $20 million, which is accounted for as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until regulatory approval or discontinuation, non-deductible definite-lived intangibles assets of approximately $325 million, non-deductible goodwill of approximately $190 million, net deferred tax liabilities of approximately $120 million, and contingent consideration of approximately $165 million. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined based on an independent appraisal. Acquired intangible assets consist of developed technology and trademarks, and are being amortized over 16 years.
	The preliminary allocations of fair value of the above acquisitions will be finalized when valuations are completed. Had the aggregate of the above acquisitions taken place on January 1, 2013, consolidated net sales and earnings would not have been significantly different from reported amounts.
	In August 2013, Abbott acquired 100 percent of IDEV Technologies, net of debt, for $310 million, in cash. The acquisition of IDEV Technologies expands Abbott's endovascular portfolio. The final allocation of the fair value of the acquisition resulted in non-deductible acquired in-process research and development of approximately $170 million which is accounted for as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until regulatory approval or discontinuation, non-deductible definite-lived intangible assets of approximately $66 million, non-deductible goodwill of approximately $112 million and net deferred tax liabilities of $47 million. Acquired intangible assets consist of developed technology and are being amortized over 11 years.
	In August 2013, Abbott acquired 100 percent of OptiMedica for $260 million, in cash, plus additional payments up to $150 million to be made upon completion of certain development, regulatory and sales milestones. The acquisition of OptiMedica provides Abbott with an immediate entry point into the laser assisted cataract surgery market. The final allocation of the fair value of the acquisition resulted in non-deductible definite-lived intangible assets of approximately $160 million; non-deductible acquired in-process research and development of approximately $60 million, which is accounted for as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until regulatory approval or discontinuation; non-deductible goodwill of approximately $130 million, net deferred tax liabilities of $49 million and contingent consideration of approximately $70 million. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined based on an independent appraisal. Acquired intangible assets consist primarily of developed technology that is being amortized over 18 years.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Note 7 — Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	In 2014, Abbott recorded goodwill of approximately $1.8 billion related to the acquisitions of CFR Pharmaceuticals, Veropharm and Topera; recognized purchase price allocation adjustments associated with other recent acquisitions decreased goodwill by approximately $30 million; and approximately $950 million of goodwill was moved to Non-current assets held for disposition due to the planned disposition of the developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business. The goodwill related to the acquisitions of CFR and Veropharm was allocated to the Established Pharmaceuticals segment. Abbott recorded goodwill of approximately $274 million in 2013 related to the acquisitions of IDEV Technologies and OptiMedica. Goodwill related to the IDEV acquisition was allocated to the Vascular Products segment and goodwill related to OptiMedica was allocated to a non-reportable segment. Foreign currency translation and other adjustments decreased goodwill in 2014 and 2013 by $566 million and $168 million, respectively, and increased goodwill in 2012 by $69 million. In addition, in connection with the separation of AbbVie on January 1, 2013, Abbott transferred approximately $6.1 billion of goodwill to AbbVie. The amount of goodwill related to reportable segments at December 31, 2014 was $3.3 billion for the Established Pharmaceutical Products segment, $286 million for the Nutritional Products segment, $445 million for the Diagnostic Products segment, and $2.9 billion for the Vascular Products segment. Other than the effects of the separation of AbbVie, there were no reductions of goodwill relating to the disposal of all or a portion of a business. There was no reduction of goodwill relating to impairments.
	The gross amount of amortizable intangible assets, primarily product rights and technology was $11.0 billion and $12.2 billion as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and accumulated amortization was $4.9 billion and $6.8 billion as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which relate to in-process research and development acquired in a business combination, were approximately $134 million and $265 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In 2014, the acquisition of CFR Pharmaceuticals increased intangible assets by approximately $1.8 billion. Approximately $804 million of net intangible assets related to the developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals businesses was reclassified to Non-current assets held for disposition due to the planned disposition of this business. Gross amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization and indefinite-lived intangible assets of $5.7 billion, $3.8 billion and $417 million, respectively, were transferred to AbbVie as part of the separation on January 1, 2013. In 2012, Abbott recorded an impairment charge of $69 million for certain research and development assets due to changes in the projected development and regulatory timelines for the projects. The charges relate to non-reportable segments. Discounted cash flow analysis was used to analyze fair value and the charges are included in research and development expenses.
	The estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets recorded at December 31, 2014 is approximately $696 million in 2015, $676 million in 2016, $657 million in 2017, $557 million in 2018 and $484 million in 2019. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized over 2 to 20 years (average 12 years).

Restructuring_Plans

Restructuring Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Plans
Restructuring Plans
	Note 8 — Restructuring Plans
	In 2014, Abbott management approved plans to streamline operations in order to reduce costs and improve efficiencies in various Abbott businesses including nutritional and established pharmaceuticals businesses. Abbott recorded employee related severance and other charges of approximately $164 million in 2014. Approximately $20 million is recognized in Cost of products sold, $53 million is recognized in Research and development and approximately $91 million is recognized in Selling, general and administrative expense. Additional charges of approximately $39 million in 2014 were also recorded primarily for accelerated depreciation.
	The following summarizes the activity for these restructurings: (in millions)
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2014	$	164
	Payments and other adjustments		(46	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2014	$	118
	In 2014 and 2013, Abbott management approved plans to reduce costs and improve efficiencies across various functional areas as well as a plan to streamline certain manufacturing operations in order to reduce costs and improve efficiencies in Abbott's established pharmaceuticals business. In addition, in 2012, Abbott management approved plans to streamline various commercial operations in order to reduce costs and improve efficiencies in Abbott's core diagnostics, established pharmaceutical and nutritionals businesses. Abbott recorded employee related severance charges of approximately $125 million in 2014, $78 million in 2013 and $167 million in 2012. Approximately $7 million in 2014, $14 million in 2013 and $48 million in 2012 are recognized in Cost of products sold, $6 million is recognized in Research and development in 2014, and approximately $112 million in 2014, $32 million in 2013 and $48 million in 2012 recognized as Selling, general and administrative expense. The remaining charges of $32 million in 2013 and $71 million in 2012 are related to Abbott's developed market established pharmaceutical business and are being recognized in the results of discontinued operations. Additional charges of approximately $4 million in 2013 and $22 million in 2012 were also recorded primarily for accelerated depreciation.
	The following summarizes the activity for these restructurings: (in millions)
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2012	$	167
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2013		78
	Payments and other adjustments		(97	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2013		148
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2014		125
	Payments and other adjustments		(138	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2014	$	135
	In 2013 and prior years, Abbott management approved plans to realign its worldwide pharmaceutical and vascular manufacturing operations and selected domestic and international commercial and research and development operations in order to reduce costs. In 2013, Abbott recorded employee severance charges of approximately $11 million. In 2011, Abbott recorded charges reflecting the impairment of manufacturing facilities and other assets, employee severance and other related charges. Approximately $11 million in 2013 is classified as Cost of products sold. An additional $41 million and $110 million were recorded in 2013 and 2012, respectively, relating to these restructurings, primarily for accelerated depreciation.
	The following summarizes the activity for these restructurings: (in millions)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2011	$	177
	Payments, impairments and other adjustments		(48	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2012		129
	Transfer of liability to AbbVie		(62	)
	Restructuring charges		11
	Payments and other adjustments		(58	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2013		20
	Payments and other adjustments		(2	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2014	$	18
	In 2012 and 2010, Abbott management approved restructuring plans primarily related to the acquisition of Solvay's pharmaceuticals business. These plans streamline operations, improve efficiencies and reduce costs in certain Solvay sites and functions as well as in certain Abbott and Solvay commercial organizations in various countries. In 2012, Abbott recorded a charge of approximately $150 million for employee severance and contractual obligations, primarily related to the exit from a research and development facility. These charges are related to businesses transferred to AbbVie and are being recognized in the results of discontinued operations. The accrued restructuring reserves of $115 million at December 31, 2012 related to these actions were transferred to AbbVie on January 1, 2013 as part of the separation. As such, there are no remaining accruals being reported in Abbott's balance sheet as of December 31, 2013.
	In 2011 and 2008, Abbott management approved plans to streamline global manufacturing operations, reduce overall costs, and improve efficiencies in Abbott's core diagnostic business and recorded charges for severance and other related costs. In addition, charges of approximately $16 million were recorded in 2012, primarily for accelerated depreciation and product transfer costs.
	The following summarizes the activity for these restructurings: (in millions)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2011	$	79
	Payments and other adjustments		(23	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2012		56
	Payments and other adjustments		(15	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2013		41
	Payments and other adjustments		(20	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2014	$	21

Incentive_Stock_Program

Incentive Stock Program	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Incentive Stock Program
Incentive Stock Program
	Note 9 — Incentive Stock Program
	The 2009 Incentive Stock Program authorizes the granting of nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance awards, foreign benefits and other share-based awards. Stock options and restricted stock awards and units comprise the majority of benefits that have been granted and are currently outstanding under this program and a prior program. In 2014, Abbott granted 3,905,076 stock options, 584,354 restricted stock awards and 5,434,799 restricted stock units under this program.
	The purchase price of shares under option must be at least equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant, and the maximum term of an option is 10 years. Options generally vest equally over three years. Restricted stock awards generally vest between 3 and 5 years and for restricted stock awards that vest over 5 years, no more than one-third of the award vests in any one year upon Abbott reaching a minimum return on equity target. Restricted stock units vest over three years and upon vesting, the recipient receives one share of Abbott stock for each vested restricted stock unit. The aggregate fair market value of restricted stock awards and units is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. Restricted stock awards and settlement of vested restricted stock units are issued out of treasury shares. Abbott generally issues new shares for exercises of stock options. As a policy, Abbott does not purchase its shares relating to its share-based programs.
	In connection with the separation of AbbVie on January 1, 2013, Abbott modified its outstanding equity awards granted under incentive stock programs for its employees. The awards were generally modified such that immediately following the separation; the awardees held the same number of awards in Abbott stock and an equal number of awards in AbbVie stock. The exercise price on outstanding Abbott options was adjusted and the exercise price on the AbbVie options granted under this modification was established with the intention of generally preserving the value of the awards immediately prior to the separation. This modification did not result in additional compensation expense.
	At December 31, 2014, approximately 110 million shares were reserved for future grants.
	The number of restricted stock awards and units outstanding and the weighted-average grant-date fair value at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was 12,671,328 and $35.48 and 14,385,221 and $30.13, respectively. The number of restricted stock awards and units, and the weighted-average grant-date fair value, that were granted, vested and lapsed during 2014 were 6,235,730 and $39.20, 7,204,498 and $28.13 and 745,125 and $34.31, respectively. The fair market value of restricted stock awards and units vested in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $281 million, $274 million and $385 million, respectively.
		Options Outstanding									Exercisable Options
		Shares			Weighted			Weighted			Shares		Weighted		Weighted
					Average			Average					Average		Average
					Exercise			Remaining					Exercise		Remaining
					Price			Life (Years)					Price		Life (Years)
	December 31, 2013		42,757,340		$	26.15			4			36,185,039	$	25.02		3.1
	Granted		3,905,076			39.2
	Exercised		(9,645,856	)		24.85
	Lapsed		(219,860	)		33.97
	December 31, 2014		36,796,700		$	27.83			4.1			29,276,499	$	25.6		3
	The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014 was $634 million and $570 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $152 million, $120 million and $528 million, respectively. The total unrecognized compensation cost related to all share-based compensation plans at December 31, 2014 amounted to approximately $150 million, which is expected to be recognized over the next three years.
	Total non-cash stock compensation expense charged against income from continuing operations in 2014, 2013 and 2012 for share-based plans totaled approximately $239 million, $254 million and $278 million, respectively, and the tax benefit recognized was approximately $79 million, $82 million and $85 million, respectively. Stock compensation cost capitalized as part of inventory is not significant.
	The fair value of an option granted in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $6.39, $5.77, and $6.80, respectively. The fair value of an option grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
		2014			2013			2012
	Risk-free interest rate		1.9	%		1.1	%		1.2	%
	Average life of options (years)		6.0			6.0			6.0
	Volatility		20.0	%		20.0	%		21.0	%
	Dividend yield		2.2	%		1.6	%		3.6	%
	The risk-free interest rate is based on the rates available at the time of the grant for zero-coupon U.S. government issues with a remaining term equal to the option's expected life. The average life of an option is based on both historical and projected exercise and lapsing data. Expected volatility is based on implied volatilities from traded options on Abbott's stock and historical volatility of Abbott's stock over the expected life of the option. Dividend yield is based on the option's exercise price and annual dividend rate at the time of grant.

Debt_and_Lines_of_Credit

Debt and Lines of Credit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt and Lines of Credit
Debt and Lines of Credit
	Note 10 — Debt and Lines of Credit
	The following is a summary of long-term debt at December 31: (in millions)
		2014		2013
	5.125% Notes, due 2019	$	947	$	947
	4.125% Notes, due 2020		597		597
	6.15% Notes, due 2037		547		547
	6.0% Notes, due 2039		515		515
	5.3% Notes, due 2040		694		694
	Other, including fair value adjustments relating to interest rate hedge contracts designated as fair value hedges		108		88
	Total, net of current maturities		3,408		3,388
	Current maturities of long-term debt		55		9
	Total carrying amount	$	3,463	$	3,397
	In 2014, Abbott extinguished approximately $500 million of long-term debt assumed as part of the CFR Pharmaceuticals acquisition and incurred a cost of $18.3 million to extinguish this debt. In 2012, Abbott redeemed $7.7 billion of its outstanding notes. Abbott incurred a cost of $1.35 billion to extinguish this debt, net of gains from the unwinding of interest rate swaps related to the debt. In 2012, AbbVie Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Abbott, issued $14.7 billion of long-term debt with maturities ranging from 3 to 30 years. The debt issued by AbbVie Inc. was guaranteed by Abbott with the guarantee expiring when AbbVie Inc. separated from Abbott on January 1, 2013.
	Principal payments required on long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2014 are $55 million in 2015, $8 million in 2016, $11 million in 2017, $2 million in 2018, $1.0 billion in 2019 and $2.4 billion in 2020 and thereafter.
	At December 31, 2014, Abbott's long-term debt rating was A+ by Standard & Poor's Corporation and A1 by Moody's Investors Service. Abbott has readily available financial resources, including unused lines of credit of $5.0 billion that support commercial paper borrowing arrangements which expire in 2019. Abbott's weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings was 0.2% at December 31, 2014 and 2013 and 0.4% at December 31, 2012.

Financial_Instruments_Derivati

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures
Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures
	Note 11 — Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures
	Certain Abbott foreign subsidiaries enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage exposures to changes in foreign exchange rates for anticipated intercompany purchases by those subsidiaries whose functional currencies are not the U.S. dollar. These contracts, totaling $1.5 billion at December 31, 2014, and $137 million at December 31, 2013, are designated as cash flow hedges of the variability of the cash flows due to changes in foreign exchange rates and are recorded at fair value. Contracts totaling $1.0 billion were transferred to AbbVie as part of the separation on January 1, 2013. Accumulated gains and losses as of December 31, 2014 will be included in Cost of products sold at the time the products are sold, generally through the next twelve to eighteen months. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not significant in 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Abbott enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage currency exposures for foreign currency denominated third-party trade payables and receivables, and for intercompany loans and trade accounts payable where the receivable or payable is denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity. For intercompany loans, the contracts require Abbott to sell or buy foreign currencies, primarily European currencies and Japanese yen, in exchange for primarily U.S. dollars and other European currencies. For intercompany and trade payables and receivables, the currency exposures are primarily the U.S. dollar, European currencies and Japanese yen. At December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, Abbott held $14.1 billion, $13.8 billion and $18.2 billion, respectively, of such foreign currency forward exchange contracts. Contracts totaling $4.3 billion were transferred to AbbVie as part of the separation on January 1, 2013.
	Abbott has designated foreign denominated short-term debt as a hedge of the net investment in a foreign subsidiary of approximately $445 million, $505 million and $615 million as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of this debt due to changes in exchange rates are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.
	Abbott is a party to interest rate hedge contracts totaling $1.5 billion at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and $9.5 billion at December 31, 2012, to manage its exposure to changes in the fair value of fixed-rate debt. $8.0 billion of the contracts outstanding at December 31, 2012 related to debt issued by AbbVie Inc. in the fourth quarter of 2012 and were transferred to AbbVie as part of the separation on January 1, 2013. These contracts are designated as fair value hedges of the variability of the fair value of fixed-rate debt due to changes in the long-term benchmark interest rates. The effect of the hedge is to change a fixed-rate interest obligation to a variable rate for that portion of the debt. Abbott records the contracts at fair value and adjusts the carrying amount of the fixed-rate debt by an offsetting amount. No hedge ineffectiveness was recorded in income in 2014, 2013 and 2012 for these hedges.
	Gross unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale equity securities totaled $3 million, $22 million and $51 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the amounts and location of certain derivative financial instruments as of December 31:
		Fair Value — Assets								Fair Value — Liabilities
		2014			2013			Balance Sheet Caption		2014			2013			Balance Sheet Caption
								(in millions)
	Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges	$	101		$	87		Deferred income taxes and other assets		$	—		$	—		Post-employment obligations and other long-term liabilities
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts —
	Hedging instruments		107			14		Other prepaid expenses and receivables			—			—		Other accrued liabilities
	Others not designated as hedges		150			70					130			75
	Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary		—			—		n/a			445			505		Short-term borrowings
		$	358		$	171				$	575		$	580
	The following table summarizes the activity for foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges, debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary and the amounts and location of income (expense) and gain (loss) reclassified into income and for certain other derivative financial instruments. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not significant in 2014, 2013 and 2012 for these hedges.
		Gain (loss) Recognized in									Income (expense) and
		Other Comprehensive									Gain (loss) Reclassified
		Income (loss)									into Income
		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012		Income Statement Caption
		(in millions)
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges	$	105		$	35		$	13		$	11		$	44		$	113	Cost of products sold
	Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary		(60	)		110			65			—			—			—	n/a
	Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges		n/a			n/a			n/a			14			(98	)		62	Interest expense
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts not designated as hedges		n/a			n/a			n/a			122			84			125	Net foreign exchange (gain) loss
	The interest rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges of the variability of the fair value of fixed-rate debt due to changes in the long-term benchmark interest rates. The hedged debt is marked to market, offsetting the effect of marking the interest rate swaps to market.
	The carrying values and fair values of certain financial instruments as of December 31 are shown in the table below. The carrying values of all other financial instruments approximate their estimated fair values. The counterparties to financial instruments consist of select major international financial institutions. Abbott does not expect any losses from nonperformance by these counterparties.
		2014						2013
		Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Value			Value			Value			Value
		(in millions)
	Long-term Investment Securities:
	Equity securities	$	212		$	212		$	93		$	93
	Other		17			17			26			24
	Total Long-term Debt		(3,463	)		(4,113	)		(3,397	)		(3,930	)
	Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:
	Receivable position		263			263			84			84
	(Payable) position		(135	)		(135	)		(75	)		(75	)
	Interest Rate Hedge Contracts:
	Receivable position		101			101			87			87
	The following table summarizes the bases used to measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis in the balance sheet:
					Basis of Fair Value Measurement
		Outstanding			Quoted			Significant Other			Significant
		Balances			Prices in			Observable			Unobservable
					Active Markets			Inputs			Inputs
		(in millions)
	December 31, 2014:
	Equity securities	$	9		$	9		$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap financial instruments		101			—			101			—
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		263			—			263			—
	Total Assets	$	373		$	9		$	364		$	—
	Fair value of hedged long-term debt	$	1,637		$	—		$	1,637		$	—
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		135			—			135			—
	Contingent consideration related to business combinations		243			—			—			243
	Total Liabilities	$	2,015		$	—		$	1,772		$	243
	December 31, 2013:
	Equity securities	$	26		$	26		$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap financial instruments		87			—			87			—
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		84			—			84			—
	Total Assets	$	197		$	26		$	171		$	—
	Fair value of hedged long-term debt	$	1,623		$	—		$	1,623		$	—
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		75			—			75			—
Contingent consideration related to business combinations		208			—			—			208
Total Liabilities	$	1,906		$	—		$	1,698		$	208
The fair value of the debt was determined based on the face value of the debt adjusted for the fair value of the interest rate swaps, which is based on a discounted cash flow analysis using significant other observable inputs.
The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined based on independent appraisals adjusted for the time value of money, exchange and other changes in fair value. The contingent consideration results from two acquisitions and the maximum amount due is $450 million, which is dependent upon attaining certain sales thresholds or based on the occurrence of certain events, such as regulatory approvals. The increase in contingent consideration during the current year is due to a recent acquisition partially offset by the payment of contingent consideration.

Litigation_and_Environmental_M

Litigation and Environmental Matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Litigation and Environmental Matters
Litigation and Environmental Matters
	Note 12 — Litigation and Environmental Matters
	Abbott has been identified as a potentially responsible party for investigation and cleanup costs at a number of locations in the United States and Puerto Rico under federal and state remediation laws and is investigating potential contamination at a number of company-owned locations. Abbott has recorded an estimated cleanup cost for each site for which management believes Abbott has a probable loss exposure. No individual site cleanup exposure is expected to exceed $4 million, and the aggregate cleanup exposure is not expected to exceed $15 million.
	Abbott is involved in various claims and legal proceedings, and Abbott estimates the range of possible loss for its legal proceedings and environmental exposures to be from approximately $70 million to $85 million. The recorded accrual balance at December 31, 2014 for these proceedings and exposures was approximately $80 million. This accrual represents management's best estimate of probable loss, as defined by FASB ASC No. 450, "Contingencies." Within the next year, legal proceedings may occur that may result in a change in the estimated loss accrued by Abbott. While it is not feasible to predict the outcome of all such proceedings and exposures with certainty, management believes that their ultimate disposition should not have a material adverse effect on Abbott's financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.

PostEmployment_Benefits

Post-Employment Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Post-Employment Benefits
Post-Employment Benefits
	Note 13 — Post-Employment Benefits
	Retirement plans consist of defined benefit, defined contribution and medical and dental plans. Information for Abbott's major defined benefit plans and post-employment medical and dental benefit plans is as follows:
			Defined Benefit						Medical and
			Plans						Dental Plans
	(in millions)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Projected benefit obligations, January 1		$	6,432		$	11,322		$	1,297		$	1,889
	Service cost — benefits earned during the year			269			303			33			43
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligations			317			276			63			59
	(Gains) losses, primarily changes in discount rates, plan design changes, law changes and differences between actual and estimated health care costs			1,554			(650	)		187			(156	)
	Benefits paid			(222	)		(185	)		(57	)		(60	)
	Separation of AbbVie Inc.			—			(4,654	)		—			(450	)
	Other, including foreign currency translation			(5	)		20			(112	)		(28	)
	Projected benefit obligations, December 31		$	8,345		$	6,432		$	1,411		$	1,297
	Plan assets at fair value, January 1		$	6,123		$	7,949		$	462		$	417
	Actual return on plans' assets			529			727			32			61
	Company contributions			393			724			41			40
	Benefits paid			(222	)		(185	)		(50	)		(56	)
	Separation of AbbVie Inc.			—			(3,107	)		—			—
	Other, including foreign currency translation			(69	)		15			—			—
	Plan assets at fair value, December 31		$	6,754		$	6,123		$	485		$	462
	Projected benefit obligations greater than plan assets, December 31		$	(1,591	)	$	(309	)	$	(926	)	$	(835	)
	Long-term assets		$	374		$	685		$	—		$	—
	Short-term liabilities			(15	)		(11	)		(1	)		—
	Long-term liabilities			(1,950	)		(983	)		(925	)		(835	)
	Net liability		$	(1,591	)	$	(309	)	$	(926	)	$	(835	)
	Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss):
	Actuarial losses, net		$	3,187		$	1,791		$	509		$	334
	Prior service cost (credits)			1			20			(348	)		(252	)
	Total		$	3,188		$	1,811		$	161		$	82
	In connection with separation of AbbVie on January 1, 2013, Abbott transferred to AbbVie Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, of approximately $1.4 billion. The projected benefit obligations for non-U.S. defined benefit plans was $2.5 billion and $2.0 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligations for all defined benefit plans were $7.3 billion and $5.5 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	For plans where the accumulated benefit obligations exceeded plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate accumulated benefit obligations, the projected benefit obligations and the aggregate plan assets were as follows:
	(in millions)		2014			2013
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	4,315		$	408
	Projected benefit obligation			5,133			505
	Fair value of plan assets			3,170			—
	The components of the net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
			Defined Benefit Plans									Medical and
												Dental Plans
			2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
			(in millions)
	Service cost — benefits earned during the year		$	269		$	303		$	389		$	33		$	43		$	61
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligations			317			276			460			63			59			81
	Expected return on plans' assets			(458	)		(396	)		(611	)		(40	)		(36	)		(33	)
	Amortization of actuarial losses			103			169			244			16			34			34
	Amortization of prior service cost (credits)			2			3			2			(39	)		(35	)		(42	)
	Total cost			233			355			484			33			65			101
	Less: Discontinued operations			(1	)		(3	)		(209	)		—			—			(48	)
	Net cost — continuing operations		$	232		$	352		$	275		$	33		$	65		$	53
	Other comprehensive income (loss) for each respective year includes the amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs (credits) as noted in the previous table. Other comprehensive income (loss) for each respective year also includes: net actuarial gains and prior service credits of $1.6 billion for defined benefit plans and $57 million for medical and dental plans in 2014; net actuarial gains and prior service credits of $995 million for defined benefit plans and $201 million for medical and dental plans in 2013; and net actuarial losses of $1.2 billion for defined benefit plans and net actuarial losses of $134 million for medical and dental plans in 2012. The actuarial (loss) for 2012 related to the businesses transferred to AbbVie as part of the separation was $167 million; prior service costs were not significant.
	The pretax amount of actuarial losses and prior service cost (credits) included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2014 that is expected to be recognized in the net periodic benefit cost in 2015 is $191 million and nil of expense, respectively, for defined benefit pension plans and $33 million of expense and $49 million of income, respectively, for medical and dental plans.
	The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for defined benefit plans and medical and dental plans are as follows:
			2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate			3.9	%		4.9	%		4.3	%
	Expected aggregate average long-term change in compensation			4.3	%		5.0	%		5.3	%
	The weighted average assumptions used to determine the net cost for defined benefit plans and medical and dental plans are as follows:
			2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate			4.9	%		4.2	%		5.0	%
	Expected return on plan assets			7.5	%		7.8	%		8.0	%
	Expected aggregate average long-term change in compensation			4.9	%		5.0	%		5.3	%
	The assumed health care cost trend rates for medical and dental plans at December 31 were as follows:
			2014			2013			2012
	Health care cost trend rate assumed for the next year			8	%		7	%		7	%
	Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to			5	%		5	%		5	%
Year that rate reaches the assumed ultimate rate			2025			2019			2019
The discount rates used to measure liabilities were determined based on high-quality fixed income securities that match the duration of the expected retiree benefits. The health care cost trend rate represent Abbott's expected annual rates of change in the cost of health care benefits and is a forward projection of health care costs as of the measurement date. A one-percentage point increase/(decrease) in the assumed health care cost trend rate would increase/(decrease) the accumulated post-employment benefit obligations as of December 31, 2014, by $208 million/$(168) million, and the total of the service and interest cost components of net post-employment health care cost for the year then ended by approximately $16 million/$(12) million.
The following table summarizes the bases used to measure the defined benefit and medical and dental plan assets at fair value:
					Basis of Fair Value Measurement
		Outstanding			Quoted			Significant Other			Significant
		Balances			Prices in			Observable			Unobservable
					Active Markets			Inputs			Inputs
		(in millions)
December 31, 2014:
Equities:
U.S. large cap (a)		$	1,615		$	757		$	858		$	—
U.S. mid cap (b)			433			142			291			—
International (c)			1,353			445			908			—
Fixed income securities:
U.S. government securities (d)			449			10			439			—
Corporate debt instruments (e)			573			130			443			—
Non-U.S. government securities (f)			697			286			411			—
Other (g)			130			35			95			—
Absolute return funds (h)			1,631			203			895			533
Commodities (i)			165			10			69			86
Other (j)			193			115			29			49
		$	7,239		$	2,133		$	4,438		$	668
December 31, 2013:
Equities:
U.S. large cap (a)		$	1,618		$	741		$	877		$	—
U.S. mid cap (b)			409			134			275			—
International (c)			1,319			608			711			—
Fixed income securities:
U.S. government securities (d)			453			61			392			—
Corporate debt instruments (e)			378			108			270			—
Non-U.S. government securities (f)			536			305			231			—
Other (g)			77			69			8			—
Absolute return funds (h)			1,474			197			791			486
Commodities (i)			170			6			97			67
Other (j)			151			149			—			2
		$	6,585		$	2,378		$	3,652		$	555
(a)	A mix of index funds that track the S&P 500 (50 percent in 2014 and 60 percent in 2013) and separate actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to the Russell 1000 (50 percent in 2014 and 40 percent in 2013).
(b)	A mix of index funds (70 percent in 2014 and 2013) and separate actively managed equity accounts (30 percent in 2014 and 2013) that track or are benchmarked to the S&P 400 midcap index.
(c)	A mix of index funds (20 percent in 2014 and 0 percent in 2013) and separate actively managed pooled investment funds (80 percent in 2014 and 100 percent in 2013) that track or are benchmarked to the MSCI EAFE and MSCI emerging market indices.
(d)	A mix of index funds that track the Barclays U.S. Gov't Aggregate (65 percent in 2014 and 50 percent in 2013) and separate actively managed accounts (35 percent in 2014 and 50 percent in 2013) that are benchmarked to Barclays U.S. Long Gov't/Corp Index or the Barclays Global Aggregate.
(e)	A mix of index funds that track the Barclays U.S. Gov't Aggregate (15 percent in 2014 and 40 percent in 2013) and separate actively managed accounts (85 percent in 2014 and 60 percent in 2013) that are benchmarked to Barclays U.S. Long Gov't/Corp Index or the Barclays Global Aggregate.
(f)	Primarily United Kingdom, Japan, Netherlands and Irish government-issued bonds.
(g)	Primarily mortgage backed securities (40 percent in 2014 and 100 percent in 2013) and an actively managed, diversified fixed income vehicle benchmarked to the one-month Libor / Euribor (60 percent in 2014 and 0 percent in 2013).
(h)	Primarily funds invested by managers that have a global mandate 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, interest rate futures, currencies and other securities to outperform an agreed upon benchmark with specific return and volatility targets.
(i)	Primarily investments in liquid commodity future contracts and private energy funds.
(j)	Primarily cash and cash equivalents (75 percent in 2014 and 100 percent in 2013) and investment in real estate funds (25 percent in 2014 and 0 percent in 2013).
Equities that are valued using quoted prices are valued at the published market prices. Equities in a common collective trust or a registered investment company that are valued using significant other observable inputs are valued at the net asset value (NAV) provided by the fund administrator. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund minus its liabilities. Fixed income securities that are valued using significant other observable inputs are valued at prices obtained from independent financial service industry-recognized vendors. Absolute return funds and commodities are valued at the NAV provided by the fund administrator. Private energy funds are valued at the NAV provided by the partnership on a one-quarter lag adjusted for known cash flows and significant events through the reporting date.
The following table summarizes the change in the value of assets that are measured using significant unobservable inputs:
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
January 1		$	555		$	783
Transfers in (out of) from other categories			—			6
Separation of AbbVie Inc.			—			(165	)
Actual return on plan assets:
Assets on hand at year end			25			29
Assets sold during the year			21			51
Purchases, sales and settlements, net			67			(149	)
December 31		$	668		$	555
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 made across a range of markets, industry sectors, capitalization sizes, and in the case of fixed income securities, maturities and credit quality. The plans do not directly hold any securities of Abbott. There are no known significant concentrations of risk in the plans' assets. Abbott's medical and dental plans' assets are invested in a similar mix as the pension plan assets. The actual asset allocation percentages at year end are consistent with the company's targeted asset allocation percentages.
The plans' expected return on assets, as shown above is based on management's expectations of long-term average rates of return to be achieved by the underlying investment portfolios. 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.
Abbott funds its domestic pension plans according to IRS funding limitations. International pension plans are funded according to similar regulations. Abbott funded $393 million in 2014 and $724 million in 2013 to defined pension plans. Abbott expects to contribute approximately $585 million to its pension plans in 2015, of which approximately $470 million relates to its main domestic pension plan.
Total benefit payments expected to be paid to participants, which includes payments funded from company assets, as well as paid from the plans, are as follows:
(in millions)		Defined			Medical and
		Benefit Plans			Dental Plans
2015		$	212		$	70
2016			225			71
2017			240			72
2018			259			73
2019			278			74
2020 to 2024			1,735			407
The Abbott Stock Retirement Plan is the principal defined contribution plan. Abbott's contributions to this plan were $85 million in 2014, $86 million in 2013 and $150 million in 2012. The contribution amount in 2012 included amounts associated with the businesses transferred to AbbVie.

Taxes_on_Earnings_from_continu

Taxes on Earnings from continuing Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations
Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations
	Note 14 — Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations
	Taxes on earnings from continuing operations reflect the annual effective rates, including charges for interest and penalties. Deferred income taxes reflect the tax consequences on future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts.
	In 2014, taxes on earnings from continuing operations reflect the recognition of $440 million of tax expense associated with a one-time repatriation of 2014 non-U.S. earnings, partially offset by the favorable resolution of various tax positions and adjustments of tax uncertainties pertaining to prior years. Earnings from discontinued operations in 2014 include the recognition of $166 million of tax benefits as a result of the resolution of various tax positions related to AbbVie's operations prior to the separation. In 2013, taxes on earnings from continuing operations reflect the recognition of $230 million of tax benefits as a result of the favorable resolution of various tax positions pertaining to prior years. Earnings from discontinued operations in 2013 include the recognition of $193 million of tax benefits as a result of the resolution of various tax positions related to AbbVie's operations prior to the separation. In addition, as a result of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 signed into law in January 2013, Abbott recognized a tax benefit in the tax provision related to continuing operations of approximately $103 million for the retroactive extension of the research tax credit and the look-through rules of section 954(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code to the beginning of 2012. The $1.58 billion domestic loss before taxes in 2012 includes $1.29 billion of net loss on the early extinguishment of debt.
	U.S. income taxes are provided on those earnings of foreign subsidiaries which are intended to be remitted to the parent company. Abbott does not record deferred income taxes on earnings reinvested indefinitely in foreign subsidiaries. Undistributed earnings reinvested indefinitely in foreign subsidiaries as working capital and plant and equipment aggregated $23.0 billion at December 31, 2014. It is not practicable to determine the amount of deferred income taxes not provided on these earnings. In the U.S., Abbott's federal income tax returns through 2011 are settled except for four items, and the income tax returns for years after 2011 are open. There are numerous other income tax jurisdictions for which tax returns are not yet settled, none of which are individually significant. Reserves for interest and penalties are not significant.
	Earnings from continuing operations before taxes, and the related provisions for taxes on earnings from continuing operations, were as follows:
	(in millions)	2014			2013			2012
	Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Taxes:
	Domestic	$	392		$	496		$	(1,581	)
	Foreign		2,126			1,545			1,361
	Total	$	2,518		$	2,041		$	(220	)
	(in millions)	2014			2013			2012
	Taxes on Earnings (Losses) From Continuing Operations:
	Current:
	Domestic	$	27		$	4		$	(44	)
	Foreign		468			482			819
	Total current		495			486			775
	Deferred:
	Domestic		298			(308	)		(572	)
	Foreign		4			(125	)		(660	)
	Total deferred		302			(433	)		(1,232	)
	Total	$	797		$	53		$	(457	)
	Differences between the effective income tax rate and the U.S. statutory tax rate were as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory tax rate on earnings from continuing operations		35	%		35	%		35	%
	Impact of foreign operations		0.7			(18.5	)		105.1
	Resolution of certain tax positions pertaining to prior years		(4.2	)		(11.3	)		96.2
	Effect of retroactive legislation		—			(5.0	)		—
	State taxes, net of federal benefit		(0.5	)		2.1			(4.6	)
	All other, net		0.6			0.3			(24.0	)
	Effective tax rate on earnings from continuing operations		31.6	%		2.6	%		207.7	%
	Impact of foreign operations is primarily derived from operations in Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Ireland, Singapore, and the Netherlands. In 2014, this benefit was more than offset by the tax expense accrued as a result of Abbott's one-time repatriation of its current year foreign earnings.
	The tax effect of the differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
	(in millions)	2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Compensation and employee benefits	$	1,239		$	862
	Other, primarily reserves not currently deductible, and NOL's and credit carryforwards		2,759			2,908
	Trade receivable reserves		146			155
	Inventory reserves		152			137
	Deferred intercompany profit		330			274
	State income taxes		178			196
	Total deferred tax assets		4,804			4,532
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation		(93	)		(72	)
	Other, primarily the excess of book basis over tax basis of intangible assets		(2,491	)		(1,774	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(2,584	)		(1,846	)
	Total net deferred tax assets	$	2,220		$	2,686
	Abbott has incurred losses in a foreign jurisdiction where realization of the future economic benefit is so remote that the benefit is not reflected as a deferred tax asset. Valuation allowances for recorded deferred tax assets were not significant.
	The following table summarizes the gross amounts of unrecognized tax benefits without regard to reduction in tax liabilities or additions to deferred tax assets and liabilities if such unrecognized tax benefits were settled:
	(in millions)	2014			2013
	January 1	$	1,965		$	2,257
	Increase due to current year tax positions		220			244
	Increase due to prior year tax positions		153			152
	Decrease due to prior year tax positions		(856	)		(541	)
	Lapse of statute		—			(23	)
	Settlements		(79	)		(124	)
	December 31	$	1,403		$	1,965
	The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate is approximately $1.3 billion. Abbott believes that it is reasonably possible that the recorded amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by $525 million to $635 million, including cash adjustments, within the next twelve months as a result of concluding various domestic and international tax matters.

Segment_and_Geographic_Area_In

Segment and Geographic Area Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment and Geographic Area Information
Segment and Geographic Area Information
	Note 15 — Segment and Geographic Area Information
	Abbott's principal business is the discovery, development, manufacture and sale of a broad line of health care products. Abbott's products are generally sold directly to retailers, wholesalers, hospitals, health care facilities, laboratories, physicians' offices and government agencies throughout the world. As a result of the separation of AbbVie, Abbott no longer has a Proprietary Pharmaceutical Products segment and this business has been removed from the 2012 historical information presented below. In July 2014, Abbott announced that it will sell its developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business to Mylan. This business was previously included in the Established Pharmaceutical Products segment. The segment information below, including prior period amounts, has been adjusted to reflect the classification of the developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business as part of discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Abbott's reportable segments are as follows:
	Established Pharmaceutical Products —  International sales of a broad line of branded generic pharmaceutical products.
	Nutritional Products —  Worldwide sales of a broad line of adult and pediatric nutritional products.
	Diagnostic Products —  Worldwide sales of diagnostic systems and tests for blood banks, hospitals, commercial laboratories and alternate-care testing sites. For segment reporting purposes, the Core Laboratories Diagnostics, Molecular Diagnostics, Point of Care and Ibis diagnostic divisions are aggregated and reported as the Diagnostic Products segment.
	Vascular Products —  Worldwide sales of coronary, endovascular, structural heart, vessel closure and other medical device products.
	Non-reportable segments include the Diabetes Care and Medical Optics segments.
	Abbott's underlying accounting records are maintained on a legal entity basis for government and public reporting requirements. Segment disclosures are on a performance basis consistent with internal management reporting. The cost of some corporate functions and the cost of certain employee benefits are charged to segments at predetermined rates that approximate cost. Remaining costs, if any, are not allocated to segments. In addition, intangible asset amortization is not allocated to operating segments, and intangible assets and goodwill are not included in the measure of each segment's assets. The following segment information has been prepared in accordance with the internal accounting policies of Abbott, as described above, and are not presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied to the consolidated financial statements.
			Net Sales to External Customers (a)									Operating Earnings (a)
	(in millions)		2014			2013			2012			2014		2013		2012
	Established Pharmaceuticals		$	3,118		$	2,862		$	2,769		$	624	$	551	$	531
	Nutritionals			6,953			6,740			6,461			1,459		1,263		1,020
	Diagnostics			4,721			4,545			4,292			1,079		1,008		825
	Vascular			2,986			3,012			3,071			1,091		962		1,020
	Total Reportable Segments			17,778			17,159			16,593		$	4,253	$	3,784	$	3,396
	Other			2,469			2,498			2,457
	Total		$	20,247		$	19,657		$	19,050
	(a)	Net sales and operating earnings were unfavorably affected by the relatively stronger U.S. dollar in 2014, 2013 and 2012.
			2014			2013			2012
			(in millions)
	Total Reportable Segment Operating Earnings		$	4,253		$	3,784		$	3,396
	Corporate functions and benefit plans costs			(342	)		(514	)		(593	)
	Non-reportable segments			439			430			449
	Net interest expense			(73	)		(78	)		(261	)
	Net loss on extinguishment of debt			(18	)		—			(1,351	)
	Share-based compensation			(239	)		(254	)		(278	)
	Amortization of intangible assets			(555	)		(588	)		(595	)
	Other, net (b)			(947	)		(739	)		(987	)
	Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Taxes		$	2,518		$	2,041		$	(220	)
	(b)	Other, net includes: charges for cost reduction initiatives of approximately $290 million in 2014, $350 million in 2013 and charges of $430 million in 2012.
			Depreciation (c)									Additions to						Total Assets
												Long-term Assets
	(in millions)		2014			2013			2012			2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012
	Established Pharmaceuticals		$	72		$	63		$	135		$	136	$	128	$	237	$	2,244	$	1,445	$	1,382
	Nutritionals			173			190			175			174		340		428		3,435		3,518		3,211
	Diagnostics			314			368			295			349		394		349		2,964		3,312		3,286
	Vascular			84			122			76			28		62		69		1,529		1,711		1,834
	Total Reportable Segments			643			743			681			687		924		1,083	$	10,172	$	9,986	$	9,713
	Other			275			185			682			4,603		981		902
	Total		$	918		$	928		$	1,363		$	5,290	$	1,905	$	1,985
	(c)	Amounts in Other include depreciation related to discontinued operations.
			2014			2013			2012
			(in millions)
	Total Reportable Segment Assets		$	10,172		$	9,986		$	9,713
	Cash, investments and restricted funds (d)			4,689			8,217			15,448
	Current deferred income taxes (d)			1,705			2,528			2,986
	Non-reportable segments			1,211			1,153			1,141
	Goodwill and intangible assets (d)			16,265			15,507			24,362
	All other (d) (e)			7,233			5,562			13,585
	Total Assets		$	41,275		$	42,953		$	67,235
	(d)	In 2012, the reported amounts include assets associated with the businesses transferred to AbbVie as part of the separation.
	(e)	Includes amounts related to developed markets established pharmaceuticals and animal health.
			Net Sales to External									Long-term Assets
			Customers (f)
			2014			2013			2012			2014		2013		2012 (g)
			(in millions)
	United States		$	6,123		$	6,208		$	6,242		$	7,103	$	7,884	$	15,244
	China			1,321			1,083			859			366		356		259
	India			1,009			922			919			2,987		3,080		3,467
	Germany			978			963			837			887		1,040		6,173
	Japan			968			1,042			1,221			786		902		1,169
	The Netherlands			788			960			1,107			569		560		532
	Switzerland			707			792			693			2,067		1,117		1,214
Russia			536			525			485			159		30		37
Brazil			508			470			448			197		216		200
France			488			480			453			302		213		220
Canada			462			493			471			196		368		352
United Kingdom			447			395			396			1,301		1,380		1,345
Italy			436			457			412			83		100		222
Spain			310			276			283			281		326		314
All Other Countries			5,166			4,591			4,224			8,730		6,134		5,164
Consolidated		$	20,247		$	19,657		$	19,050		$	26,014	$	23,706	$	35,912
(f)	Sales by country are based on the country that sold the product.
(g)	Amounts reported in 2012 include assets associated with businesses transferred to AbbVie as part of the separation.

Quarterly_Results_Unaudited

Quarterly Results (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
	Note 16 — Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
	(in millions except per share data)
			2014		2013
	First Quarter
	Continuing Operations:
	Net Sales		$	4,755	$	4,847
	Gross Profit			2,354		2,479
	Earnings from Continuing Operations			224		464
	Basic Earnings per Common Share			0.15		0.29
	Diluted Earnings per Common Share			0.14		0.29
	Net Earnings			375		545
	Basic Earnings Per Common Share (a)			0.24		0.35
	Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (a)			0.24		0.34
	Market Price Per Share-High			40.49		35.34
	Market Price Per Share-Low			35.65		31.64
	Second Quarter
	Continuing Operations:
	Net Sales		$	5,057	$	4,933
	Gross Profit			2,636		2,429
	Earnings from Continuing Operations			425		397
	Basic Earnings per Common Share			0.28		0.25
	Diluted Earnings per Common Share			0.28		0.25
	Net Earnings			466		476
	Basic Earnings Per Common Share (a)			0.30		0.30
	Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (a)			0.30		0.30
	Market Price Per Share-High			41.30		38.77
	Market Price Per Share-Low			36.65		34.69
	Third Quarter
	Continuing Operations:
	Net Sales		$	5,079	$	4,805
	Gross Profit			2,628		2,417
	Earnings from Continuing Operations			438		644
	Basic Earnings per Common Share			0.29		0.41
	Diluted Earnings per Common Share			0.29		0.41
	Net Earnings			538		966
	Basic Earnings Per Common Share (a)			0.36		0.62
	Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (a)			0.36		0.61
	Market Price Per Share-High			44.20		37.16
	Market Price Per Share-Low			40.92		32.70
	Fourth Quarter
	Continuing Operations:
	Net Sales		$	5,356	$	5,072
	Gross Profit			2,856		2,551
	Earnings from Continuing Operations			634		483
	Basic Earnings per Common Share			0.42		0.31
	Diluted Earnings per Common Share			0.41		0.31
	Net Earnings			905		589
	Basic Earnings Per Common Share (a)			0.59		0.38
	Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (a)			0.59		0.37
	Market Price Per Share-High			46.50		38.81
	Market Price Per Share-Low			39.28		32.75
	(a)	The sum of the four quarters of earnings per share for 2014 and 2013 may not add to the full year earnings per share amount due to rounding and/or the use of quarter-to-date weighted average shares to calculate the earnings per share amount in each respective quarter.

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012
	(in millions of dollars)
	Allowances for Doubtful		Balance		Provisions/		Amounts			Balance at
	Accounts and Product Returns		at Beginning		Charges		Charged Off			End of Year
			of Year		to Income		and Other
							Deductions
	2014		$	312	$	207	$	(209	)	$	310
	2013			406		163		(257	)(1)		312
	2012			421		343		(358	)		406
	-1	Includes $178 million transferred to AbbVie as part of the separation on January 1, 2013.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
NATURE OF BUSINESS	NATURE OF BUSINESS — Abbott's principal business is the discovery, development, manufacture and sale of a broad line of health care products.
CHANGES IN PRESENTATION	CHANGES IN PRESENTATION — On January 1, 2013, Abbott completed the separation of AbbVie Inc., which was formed to hold Abbott's research-based proprietary pharmaceuticals business. The historical operating results of the research-based proprietary pharmaceuticals business prior to separation are excluded from Earnings from Continuing Operations and are presented on the Earnings from Discontinued Operations line in Abbott's Consolidated Statement of Earnings. The assets, liabilities, and cash flows of the research-based proprietary pharmaceuticals business are included in Abbott's Consolidated Balance Sheet and its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for periods prior to January 1, 2013. See Note 2 for additional information.
	In July 2014, Abbott announced that it will sell its developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business to Mylan Inc. (Mylan) for equity ownership of a newly formed entity that will combine Mylan's existing business and Abbott's developed markets pharmaceuticals business, and will be publicly traded. The sale of this business closed on February 17, 2015. In November 2014, Abbott entered into an agreement to sell its animal health business to Zoetis Inc. The sale of this business closed on February 10, 2015. The historical operating results of these businesses are excluded from Earnings from Continuing Operations and are presented on the Earnings from Discontinued Operations line in Abbott's Consolidated Statement of Earnings. The assets and liabilities of these businesses are being reported as held for sale in Abbott's Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014. The cash flows of these businesses are included in its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for all periods presented. See Note 3 — Discontinued Operations for additional information.
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION	BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany transactions.
USE OF ESTIMATES	USE OF ESTIMATES — The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and necessarily include amounts based on estimates and assumptions by management. Actual results could differ from those amounts. Significant estimates include amounts for sales rebates; income taxes; pension and other post-employment benefits, including certain asset values that are based on significant unobservable inputs; valuation of intangible assets; litigation; derivative financial instruments; and inventory and accounts receivable exposures.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION	FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION — The statements of earnings of foreign subsidiaries whose functional currencies are other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates for the period. The net assets of foreign subsidiaries whose functional currencies are other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. The U.S. dollar effects that arise from translating the net assets of these subsidiaries at changing rates are recorded in the foreign currency translation adjustment account, which is included in equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Transaction gains and losses are recorded in earnings and were not significant for any of the periods presented.
REVENUE RECOGNITION	REVENUE RECOGNITION — Revenue from product sales is recognized upon passage of title and risk of loss to customers. Provisions for discounts, rebates and sales incentives to customers, and returns and other adjustments are provided for in the period the related sales are recorded. Sales incentives to customers are not material. Historical data is readily available and reliable, and is used for estimating the amount of the reduction in gross sales. Revenue from the launch of a new product, from an improved version of an existing product, or for shipments in excess of a customer's normal requirements are recorded when the conditions noted above are met. In those situations, management records a returns reserve for such revenue, if necessary. In certain of Abbott's businesses, primarily within diagnostics and medical optics, Abbott participates in selling arrangements that include multiple deliverables (e.g., instruments, reagents, procedures, and service agreements). Under these arrangements, Abbott recognizes revenue upon delivery of the product or performance of the service and allocates the revenue based on the relative selling price of each deliverable, which is based primarily on vendor specific objective evidence. Sales of product rights for marketable products are recorded as revenue upon disposition of the rights. Revenue from license of product rights, or for performance of research or selling activities, is recorded over the periods earned.
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a single comprehensive model for accounting for revenue from contracts with customers and will supersede most existing revenue recognition guidance. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard becomes effective for Abbott in the first quarter of 2017. Abbott is currently evaluating the effect, if any, that the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES — Deferred income taxes are provided for the tax effect of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements at the enacted statutory rate to be in effect when the taxes are paid. U.S. income taxes are provided on those earnings of foreign subsidiaries which are intended to be remitted to the parent company. Deferred income taxes are not provided on undistributed earnings reinvested indefinitely in foreign subsidiaries as working capital and plant and equipment. Interest and penalties on income tax obligations are included in taxes on income
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE — Unvested restricted stock that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are treated as participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net earnings are allocated between common shares and participating securities. Earnings from Continuing Operations allocated to common shares in 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $1.713 billion, $1.979 billion and $236 million, respectively. Net earnings allocated to common shares in 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $2.273 billion, $2.558 billion and $5.917 billion, respectively.
PENSION AND POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS	PENSION AND POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS — Abbott accrues for the actuarially determined cost of pension and post-employment benefits over the service attribution periods of the employees. Abbott must develop long-term assumptions, the most significant of which are the health care cost trend rates, discount rates and the expected return on plan assets. Differences between the expected long-term return on plan assets and the actual return are amortized over a five-year period. Actuarial losses and gains are amortized over the remaining service attribution periods of the employees under the corridor method.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — For assets and liabilities that are measured using quoted prices in active markets, total fair value is the published market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held without consideration of transaction costs. Assets and liabilities that are measured using significant other observable inputs are valued by reference to similar assets or liabilities, adjusted for contract restrictions and other terms specific to that asset or liability. For these items, a significant portion of fair value is derived by reference to quoted prices of similar assets or liabilities in active markets. For all remaining assets and liabilities, fair value is derived using a fair value model, such as a discounted cash flow model or Black-Scholes model. Purchased intangible assets are recorded at fair value. The fair value of significant purchased intangible assets is based on independent appraisals. Abbott uses a discounted cash flow model to value intangible assets. The discounted cash flow model requires assumptions about the timing and amount of future net cash flows, risk, the cost of capital, terminal values and market participants. Intangible assets, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment at least on a quarterly and annual basis, respectively.
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION — The value of stock options and restricted stock awards and units are amortized over their requisite service period, which could be shorter than the vesting period if an employee is retirement eligible, with a charge to compensation expense.
LITIGATION	LITIGATION — Abbott accounts for litigation losses in accordance with FASB ASC No. 450, "Contingencies." Under ASC No. 450, 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 is recorded. Legal fees are recorded as incurred.
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND INVESTMENTS	CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND INVESTMENTS — Cash equivalents consist of bank time deposits and U.S. treasury bills with original maturities of three months or less. Investments in two publicly traded companies, with a carrying value of approximately $95 million, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. All other investments in marketable equity 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 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Investments in equity securities that are not traded on public stock exchanges are recorded at cost. Investments in debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity, as management has both the intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity, and are reported at cost, net of any unamortized premium or discount. Income relating to these securities is reported as interest income.
	Abbott reviews the carrying value of investments each quarter to determine whether an other than temporary decline in fair value exists. Abbott considers factors affecting the investee, factors affecting the industry the investee operates in and general equity market trends. Abbott considers the length of time an investment's fair value has been below carrying value and the near-term prospects for recovery to carrying value. When Abbott determines that an other than temporary decline has occurred, the investment is written down with a charge to Other (income) expense, net.
TRADE RECEIVABLE VALUATIONS	TRADE RECEIVABLE VALUATIONS — Accounts receivable are stated at their net realizable value. The allowance against gross trade receivables reflects the best estimate of probable losses inherent in the receivables portfolio determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts and other currently available information. Accounts receivable are charged off after all reasonable means to collect the full amount (including litigation, where appropriate) have been exhausted.
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES — Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market. Cost includes material and conversion costs.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT — Depreciation and amortization are provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The following table shows estimated useful lives of property and equipment:
	Classification	Estimated Useful Lives
	Buildings	10 to 50 years (average 27 years)
	Equipment	3 to 20 years (average 11 years)
PRODUCT LIABILITY	PRODUCT LIABILITY — Abbott accrues for product liability claims when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on existing information. The liabilities are adjusted quarterly as additional information becomes available. Receivables for insurance recoveries for product liability claims are recorded as assets, on an undiscounted basis, when it is probable that a recovery will be realized. Product liability losses are self-insured.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS	RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS — Internal research and development 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 arrangements, the milestone payment obligations are expensed when the milestone results are achieved.
ACQUIRED IN-PROCESS AND COLLABORATIONS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (IPR&D)	ACQUIRED IN-PROCESS AND COLLABORATIONS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (IPR&D) — The initial costs of rights to IPR&D projects obtained in an asset acquisition are expensed as IPR&D 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. The fair value of IPR&D projects acquired in a business combination are capitalized and accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets until completed and are then amortized over the remaining useful life. Collaborations are not significant for continuing operations.
CONCENTRATION OF RISK AND GUARANTEES	CONCENTRATION OF RISK AND GUARANTEES — Due to the nature of its operations, Abbott is not subject to significant concentration risks relating to customers, products or geographic locations. Governmental accounts in Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal accounted for 9 percent and 12 percent of total net trade receivables as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Product warranties are not significant.
	Abbott has no material exposures to off-balance sheet arrangements; no special purpose entities; nor activities, that include non-exchange-traded contracts accounted for at fair value. Abbott has periodically entered into agreements in the ordinary course of business, such as assignment of product rights, with other companies, which has resulted in Abbott becoming secondarily liable for obligations that Abbott was previously primarily liable. Since Abbott no longer maintains a business relationship with the other parties, Abbott is unable to develop an estimate of the maximum potential amount of future payments, if any, under these obligations. Based upon past experience, the likelihood of payments under these agreements is remote. Abbott periodically acquires a business or product rights in which Abbott agrees to pay contingent consideration based on attaining certain thresholds or based on the occurrence of certain events.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment
	Classification	Estimated Useful Lives
	Buildings	10 to 50 years (average 27 years)
	Equipment	3 to 20 years (average 11 years)

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations.
Schedule of results relating to developed market branded generics pharmaceuticals
		Year Ended December 31
	(in millions)	2014		2013		2012
	Net Sales
	Developed markets generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses	$	2,076	$	2,191	$	2,444
	AbbVie		—		—		18,380
	Total	$	2,076	$	2,191	$	20,824
	Earnings Before Tax
	Developed markets generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses	$	505	$	480	$	525
	AbbVie		—		—		5,958
	Total	$	505	$	480	$	6,483
	Net Earnings
	Developed markets generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses	$	397	$	395	$	342
	AbbVie		166		193		5,384
	Total	$	563	$	588	$	5,726
Summary of the assets and liabilities held for sale
	(in millions)	December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Trade receivables, net	$	498	$	163
	Total inventories		254		243
	Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables		140		32
	Current assets held for disposition		892		438
	Net property and equipment		125		28
	Intangible assets, net of amortization		804		—
	Goodwill		950		—
	Deferred income taxes and other assets		55		38
	Non-current assets held for disposition		1,934		66
	Total assets held for disposition		2,826		504
	Trade accounts payable		423		285
	Salaries, wages, commissions and other accrued liabilities		257		101
	Current liabilities held for disposition		680		386
	Post-employment obligations, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities		108		7
	Total liabilities held for disposition	$	788	$	393

Supplemental_Financial_Informa1

Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Financial Information
Components of long-term investments
			2014		2013
			(in millions)
	Long-term Investments:
	Equity securities		$	212	$	93
	Other			17		26
	Total		$	229	$	119
Other Accrued Liabilities
			2014		2013
			(in millions)
	Other Accrued Liabilities:
	Accrued rebates payable to government agencies		$	88	$	136
	Accrued other rebates (a)			239		220
	All other (b)			2,616		3,144
	Total		$	2,943	$	3,500
	(a)	Accrued wholesaler chargeback rebates of $50 million and $90 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are netted in trade receivables because Abbott's customers are invoiced at a higher catalog price but only remit to Abbott their contract price for the products.
	(b)	2013 includes acquisition consideration payable of approximately $400 million related primarily to the acquisition of Piramal Healthcare Limited's Healthcare Solutions business.
Post employment Obligations and Other Long term Liabilities
			2014		2013
			(in millions)
	Post-employment Obligations and Other Long-term Liabilities:
	Defined benefit pension plans and post-employment medical and dental plans for significant plans		$	2,875	$	1,818
	Deferred income taxes			860		466
	All other (c)			1,853		2,500
	Total		$	5,588	$	4,784
	c
	(c)	2014 includes $1.3 billion of gross unrecognized tax benefits, as well as approximately $220 million of acquisition consideration payable. 2013 includes $1.3 billion of gross unrecognized tax benefits, as well as $70 million of acquisition consideration payable.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Schedule of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes	The components of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income from continuing operations, net of income taxes, are as follows: (in millions)
			Cumulative			Net			Cumulative			Cumulative			Total
			Foreign			Actuarial			Unrealized			Gains on
			Currency			Losses and			Gains on			Derivative
			Translation			Prior			Marketable			Instruments
			Adjustments			Service			Equity			Designated as
						Costs and			Securities			Cash Flow
						Credits						Hedges
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	(79	)	$	(3,596	)	$	31		$	50		$	(3,594	)
	Separation of AbbVie			(400	)		1,402			—			8			1,010
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(239	)		771			22			(23	)		531
	Income (loss) amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (a)			—			111			(40	)		(30	)		41
	Net current period comprehensive income (loss)			(239	)		882			(18	)		(53	)		572
	Balance at December 31, 2013			(718	)		(1,312	)		13			5			(2,012	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(2,206	)		(970	)		4			106			(3,066	)
	Income (loss) amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (a)			—			53			(16	)		(12	)		25
	Net current period comprehensive income (loss)			(2,206	)		(917	)		(12	)		94			(3,041	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	(2,924	)	$	(2,229	)	$	1		$	99		$	(5,053	)
	(a)	Reclassified amounts for foreign currency translation are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings as Net Foreign exchange loss (gain); gains on marketable equity securities are recorded as Other (income) expense and gains/losses related to cash flow hedges are recorded as Cost of product sold. Net actuarial losses and prior service cost is included as a component of net periodic benefit plan cost — see Note 13 for additional information.

Business_Acquisitions_Tables

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisitions
Schedule of the allocation of the fair value of the acquisition	(in billions)
	Acquired intangible assets, non-deductible	$	1.8
	Goodwill, non-deductible		1.59
	Acquired net tangible assets		0.07
	Deferred income taxes recorded at acquisition		(0.54	)
	Total preliminary allocation of fair value	$	2.92

Restructuring_Plans_Tables

Restructuring Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Plan 2014
Restructuring costs
Schedule of restructuring activity
	The following summarizes the activity for these restructurings: (in millions)
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2014	$	164
	Payments and other adjustments		(46	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2014	$	118
Restructuring Plan 2014 and 2013
Restructuring costs
Schedule of restructuring activity
	The following summarizes the activity for these restructurings: (in millions)
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2012	$	167
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2013		78
	Payments and other adjustments		(97	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2013		148
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2014		125
	Payments and other adjustments		(138	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2014	$	135
Restructuring Plan 2013 and Prior Years
Restructuring costs
Schedule of restructuring activity
	The following summarizes the activity for these restructurings: (in millions)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2011	$	177
	Payments, impairments and other adjustments		(48	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2012		129
	Transfer of liability to AbbVie		(62	)
	Restructuring charges		11
	Payments and other adjustments		(58	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2013		20
	Payments and other adjustments		(2	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2014	$	18
Restructuring Plan 2011 and 2008
Restructuring costs
Schedule of restructuring activity
	The following summarizes the activity for these restructurings: (in millions)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2011	$	79
	Payments and other adjustments		(23	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2012		56
	Payments and other adjustments		(15	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2013		41
	Payments and other adjustments		(20	)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2014	$	21

Incentive_Stock_Program_Tables

Incentive Stock Program (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Incentive Stock Program
Stock options outstanding and exercisable
		Options Outstanding									Exercisable Options
		Shares			Weighted			Weighted			Shares		Weighted		Weighted
					Average			Average					Average		Average
					Exercise			Remaining					Exercise		Remaining
					Price			Life (Years)					Price		Life (Years)
	December 31, 2013		42,757,340		$	26.15			4			36,185,039	$	25.02		3.1
	Granted		3,905,076			39.2
	Exercised		(9,645,856	)		24.85
	Lapsed		(219,860	)		33.97
	December 31, 2014		36,796,700		$	27.83			4.1			29,276,499	$	25.6		3
Fair value assumptions
		2014			2013			2012
	Risk-free interest rate		1.9	%		1.1	%		1.2	%
	Average life of options (years)		6.0			6.0			6.0
	Volatility		20.0	%		20.0	%		21.0	%
	Dividend yield		2.2	%		1.6	%		3.6	%

Debt_and_Lines_of_Credit_Table

Debt and Lines of Credit (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt and Lines of Credit
Summary of long-term debt	The following is a summary of long-term debt at December 31: (in millions)
		2014		2013
	5.125% Notes, due 2019	$	947	$	947
	4.125% Notes, due 2020		597		597
	6.15% Notes, due 2037		547		547
	6.0% Notes, due 2039		515		515
	5.3% Notes, due 2040		694		694
	Other, including fair value adjustments relating to interest rate hedge contracts designated as fair value hedges		108		88
	Total, net of current maturities		3,408		3,388
	Current maturities of long-term debt		55		9
	Total carrying amount	$	3,463	$	3,397

Financial_Instruments_Derivati1

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures
Summary of the amounts and location of certain derivative financial instruments
		Fair Value — Assets								Fair Value — Liabilities
		2014			2013			Balance Sheet Caption		2014			2013			Balance Sheet Caption
								(in millions)
	Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges	$	101		$	87		Deferred income taxes and other assets		$	—		$	—		Post-employment obligations and other long-term liabilities
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts —
	Hedging instruments		107			14		Other prepaid expenses and receivables			—			—		Other accrued liabilities
	Others not designated as hedges		150			70					130			75
	Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary		—			—		n/a			445			505		Short-term borrowings
		$	358		$	171				$	575		$	580
Schedule of derivatives gain (loss) in OCI and earnings
		Gain (loss) Recognized in									Income (expense) and
		Other Comprehensive									Gain (loss) Reclassified
		Income (loss)									into Income
		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012		Income Statement Caption
		(in millions)
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges	$	105		$	35		$	13		$	11		$	44		$	113	Cost of products sold
	Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary		(60	)		110			65			—			—			—	n/a
	Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges		n/a			n/a			n/a			14			(98	)		62	Interest expense
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts not designated as hedges		n/a			n/a			n/a			122			84			125	Net foreign exchange (gain) loss
Schedule of carrying values and fair values of certain financial instruments
		2014						2013
		Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Value			Value			Value			Value
		(in millions)
	Long-term Investment Securities:
	Equity securities	$	212		$	212		$	93		$	93
	Other		17			17			26			24
	Total Long-term Debt		(3,463	)		(4,113	)		(3,397	)		(3,930	)
	Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:
	Receivable position		263			263			84			84
	(Payable) position		(135	)		(135	)		(75	)		(75	)
	Interest Rate Hedge Contracts:
	Receivable position		101			101			87			87
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
					Basis of Fair Value Measurement
		Outstanding			Quoted			Significant Other			Significant
		Balances			Prices in			Observable			Unobservable
					Active Markets			Inputs			Inputs
		(in millions)
	December 31, 2014:
	Equity securities	$	9		$	9		$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap financial instruments		101			—			101			—
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		263			—			263			—
	Total Assets	$	373		$	9		$	364		$	—
	Fair value of hedged long-term debt	$	1,637		$	—		$	1,637		$	—
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		135			—			135			—
	Contingent consideration related to business combinations		243			—			—			243
	Total Liabilities	$	2,015		$	—		$	1,772		$	243
	December 31, 2013:
	Equity securities	$	26		$	26		$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap financial instruments		87			—			87			—
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		84			—			84			—
	Total Assets	$	197		$	26		$	171		$	—
	Fair value of hedged long-term debt	$	1,623		$	—		$	1,623		$	—
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts		75			—			75			—
	Contingent consideration related to business combinations		208			—			—			208
	Total Liabilities	$	1,906		$	—		$	1,698		$	208

PostEmployment_Benefits_Tables

Post-Employment Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Post-Employment Benefits
Schedule of aggregate accumulated benefit obligations, projected benefit obligations and aggregate plan assets for plans whose accumulated benefit obligation exceeded plan assets
			Defined Benefit						Medical and
			Plans						Dental Plans
	(in millions)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Projected benefit obligations, January 1		$	6,432		$	11,322		$	1,297		$	1,889
	Service cost — benefits earned during the year			269			303			33			43
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligations			317			276			63			59
	(Gains) losses, primarily changes in discount rates, plan design changes, law changes and differences between actual and estimated health care costs			1,554			(650	)		187			(156	)
	Benefits paid			(222	)		(185	)		(57	)		(60	)
	Separation of AbbVie Inc.			—			(4,654	)		—			(450	)
	Other, including foreign currency translation			(5	)		20			(112	)		(28	)
	Projected benefit obligations, December 31		$	8,345		$	6,432		$	1,411		$	1,297
	Plan assets at fair value, January 1		$	6,123		$	7,949		$	462		$	417
	Actual return on plans' assets			529			727			32			61
	Company contributions			393			724			41			40
	Benefits paid			(222	)		(185	)		(50	)		(56	)
	Separation of AbbVie Inc.			—			(3,107	)		—			—
	Other, including foreign currency translation			(69	)		15			—			—
	Plan assets at fair value, December 31		$	6,754		$	6,123		$	485		$	462
	Projected benefit obligations greater than plan assets, December 31		$	(1,591	)	$	(309	)	$	(926	)	$	(835	)
	Long-term assets		$	374		$	685		$	—		$	—
	Short-term liabilities			(15	)		(11	)		(1	)		—
	Long-term liabilities			(1,950	)		(983	)		(925	)		(835	)
	Net liability		$	(1,591	)	$	(309	)	$	(926	)	$	(835	)
	Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss):
	Actuarial losses, net		$	3,187		$	1,791		$	509		$	334
	Prior service cost (credits)			1			20			(348	)		(252	)
	Total		$	3,188		$	1,811		$	161		$	82
Schedule of plans where the accumulated benefit obligations exceeded plan assets the aggregate accumulated benefit obligations, the projected benefit obligations and the aggregate plan assets
	(in millions)		2014			2013
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	4,315		$	408
	Projected benefit obligation			5,133			505
	Fair value of plan assets			3,170			—
Net cost for the entity's major defined benefit plans and post-employment medical and dental benefit plans
			Defined Benefit Plans									Medical and
												Dental Plans
			2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
			(in millions)
	Service cost — benefits earned during the year		$	269		$	303		$	389		$	33		$	43		$	61
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligations			317			276			460			63			59			81
	Expected return on plans' assets			(458	)		(396	)		(611	)		(40	)		(36	)		(33	)
	Amortization of actuarial losses			103			169			244			16			34			34
	Amortization of prior service cost (credits)			2			3			2			(39	)		(35	)		(42	)
	Total cost			233			355			484			33			65			101
	Less: Discontinued operations			(1	)		(3	)		(209	)		—			—			(48	)
	Net cost — continuing operations		$	232		$	352		$	275		$	33		$	65		$	53
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net cost for defined benefit plans and medical and dental plans
	The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for defined benefit plans and medical and dental plans are as follows:
			2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate			3.9	%		4.9	%		4.3	%
	Expected aggregate average long-term change in compensation			4.3	%		5.0	%		5.3	%
	The weighted average assumptions used to determine the net cost for defined benefit plans and medical and dental plans are as follows:
			2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate			4.9	%		4.2	%		5.0	%
	Expected return on plan assets			7.5	%		7.8	%		8.0	%
	Expected aggregate average long-term change in compensation			4.9	%		5.0	%		5.3	%
	The assumed health care cost trend rates for medical and dental plans at December 31 were as follows:
			2014			2013			2012
	Health care cost trend rate assumed for the next year			8	%		7	%		7	%
	Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to			5	%		5	%		5	%
	Year that rate reaches the assumed ultimate rate			2025			2019			2019
Assumed health care cost trend rates
			2014			2013			2012
	Health care cost trend rate assumed for the next year			8	%		7	%		7	%
	Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to			5	%		5	%		5	%
	Year that rate reaches the assumed ultimate rate			2025			2019			2019
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans' assets at fair value
						Basis of Fair Value Measurement
			Outstanding			Quoted			Significant Other			Significant
			Balances			Prices in			Observable			Unobservable
						Active Markets			Inputs			Inputs
			(in millions)
	December 31, 2014:
	Equities:
	U.S. large cap (a)		$	1,615		$	757		$	858		$	—
	U.S. mid cap (b)			433			142			291			—
	International (c)			1,353			445			908			—
	Fixed income securities:
	U.S. government securities (d)			449			10			439			—
	Corporate debt instruments (e)			573			130			443			—
	Non-U.S. government securities (f)			697			286			411			—
	Other (g)			130			35			95			—
	Absolute return funds (h)			1,631			203			895			533
	Commodities (i)			165			10			69			86
	Other (j)			193			115			29			49
			$	7,239		$	2,133		$	4,438		$	668
	December 31, 2013:
	Equities:
	U.S. large cap (a)		$	1,618		$	741		$	877		$	—
	U.S. mid cap (b)			409			134			275			—
	International (c)			1,319			608			711			—
	Fixed income securities:
	U.S. government securities (d)			453			61			392			—
	Corporate debt instruments (e)			378			108			270			—
	Non-U.S. government securities (f)			536			305			231			—
	Other (g)			77			69			8			—
	Absolute return funds (h)			1,474			197			791			486
	Commodities (i)			170			6			97			67
	Other (j)			151			149			—			2
			$	6,585		$	2,378		$	3,652		$	555
	(a)	A mix of index funds that track the S&P 500 (50 percent in 2014 and 60 percent in 2013) and separate actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to the Russell 1000 (50 percent in 2014 and 40 percent in 2013).
	(b)	A mix of index funds (70 percent in 2014 and 2013) and separate actively managed equity accounts (30 percent in 2014 and 2013) that track or are benchmarked to the S&P 400 midcap index.
	(c)	A mix of index funds (20 percent in 2014 and 0 percent in 2013) and separate actively managed pooled investment funds (80 percent in 2014 and 100 percent in 2013) that track or are benchmarked to the MSCI EAFE and MSCI emerging market indices.
	(d)	A mix of index funds that track the Barclays U.S. Gov't Aggregate (65 percent in 2014 and 50 percent in 2013) and separate actively managed accounts (35 percent in 2014 and 50 percent in 2013) that are benchmarked to Barclays U.S. Long Gov't/Corp Index or the Barclays Global Aggregate.
	(e)	A mix of index funds that track the Barclays U.S. Gov't Aggregate (15 percent in 2014 and 40 percent in 2013) and separate actively managed accounts (85 percent in 2014 and 60 percent in 2013) that are benchmarked to Barclays U.S. Long Gov't/Corp Index or the Barclays Global Aggregate.
	(f)	Primarily United Kingdom, Japan, Netherlands and Irish government-issued bonds.
	(g)	Primarily mortgage backed securities (40 percent in 2014 and 100 percent in 2013) and an actively managed, diversified fixed income vehicle benchmarked to the one-month Libor / Euribor (60 percent in 2014 and 0 percent in 2013).
	(h)	Primarily funds invested by managers that have a global mandate 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, interest rate futures, currencies and other securities to outperform an agreed upon benchmark with specific return and volatility targets.
	(i)	Primarily investments in liquid commodity future contracts and private energy funds.
	(j)	Primarily cash and cash equivalents (75 percent in 2014 and 100 percent in 2013) and investment in real estate funds (25 percent in 2014 and 0 percent in 2013).
Change in the value of assets that are measured using significant unobservable inputs
			2014			2013
			(in millions)
	January 1		$	555		$	783
	Transfers in (out of) from other categories			—			6
	Separation of AbbVie Inc.			—			(165	)
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Assets on hand at year end			25			29
	Assets sold during the year			21			51
	Purchases, sales and settlements, net			67			(149	)
	December 31		$	668		$	555
Benefit payments expected to be paid to participants
	(in millions)		Defined			Medical and
			Benefit Plans			Dental Plans
	2015		$	212		$	70
	2016			225			71
	2017			240			72
	2018			259			73
	2019			278			74
	2020 to 2024			1,735			407

Recovered_Sheet1

Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations
Earnings from continuing operations before taxes
	(in millions)	2014			2013			2012
	Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Taxes:
	Domestic	$	392		$	496		$	(1,581	)
	Foreign		2,126			1,545			1,361
	Total	$	2,518		$	2,041		$	(220	)
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations
	(in millions)	2014			2013			2012
	Taxes on Earnings (Losses) From Continuing Operations:
	Current:
	Domestic	$	27		$	4		$	(44	)
	Foreign		468			482			819
	Total current		495			486			775
	Deferred:
	Domestic		298			(308	)		(572	)
	Foreign		4			(125	)		(660	)
	Total deferred		302			(433	)		(1,232	)
	Total	$	797		$	53		$	(457	)
Reconciliation of income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory rate to income tax expense (benefit)
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory tax rate on earnings from continuing operations		35	%		35	%		35	%
	Impact of foreign operations		0.7			(18.5	)		105.1
	Resolution of certain tax positions pertaining to prior years		(4.2	)		(11.3	)		96.2
	Effect of retroactive legislation		—			(5.0	)		—
	State taxes, net of federal benefit		(0.5	)		2.1			(4.6	)
	All other, net		0.6			0.3			(24.0	)
	Effective tax rate on earnings from continuing operations		31.6	%		2.6	%		207.7	%
Schedule of components of net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
	(in millions)	2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Compensation and employee benefits	$	1,239		$	862
	Other, primarily reserves not currently deductible, and NOL's and credit carryforwards		2,759			2,908
	Trade receivable reserves		146			155
	Inventory reserves		152			137
	Deferred intercompany profit		330			274
	State income taxes		178			196
	Total deferred tax assets		4,804			4,532
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation		(93	)		(72	)
	Other, primarily the excess of book basis over tax basis of intangible assets		(2,491	)		(1,774	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(2,584	)		(1,846	)
	Total net deferred tax assets	$	2,220		$	2,686
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits for the period
	(in millions)	2014			2013
	January 1	$	1,965		$	2,257
	Increase due to current year tax positions		220			244
	Increase due to prior year tax positions		153			152
	Decrease due to prior year tax positions		(856	)		(541	)
	Lapse of statute		—			(23	)
	Settlements		(79	)		(124	)
	December 31	$	1,403		$	1,965

Segment_and_Geographic_Area_In1

Segment and Geographic Area Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment and Geographic Area Information
Schedule of segment and geographic area information
			Net Sales to External Customers (a)									Operating Earnings (a)
	(in millions)		2014			2013			2012			2014		2013		2012
	Established Pharmaceuticals		$	3,118		$	2,862		$	2,769		$	624	$	551	$	531
	Nutritionals			6,953			6,740			6,461			1,459		1,263		1,020
	Diagnostics			4,721			4,545			4,292			1,079		1,008		825
	Vascular			2,986			3,012			3,071			1,091		962		1,020
	Total Reportable Segments			17,778			17,159			16,593		$	4,253	$	3,784	$	3,396
	Other			2,469			2,498			2,457
	Total		$	20,247		$	19,657		$	19,050
	(a)	Net sales and operating earnings were unfavorably affected by the relatively stronger U.S. dollar in 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Schedule of reconciliation of operating earnings by segment
			2014			2013			2012
			(in millions)
	Total Reportable Segment Operating Earnings		$	4,253		$	3,784		$	3,396
	Corporate functions and benefit plans costs			(342	)		(514	)		(593	)
	Non-reportable segments			439			430			449
	Net interest expense			(73	)		(78	)		(261	)
	Net loss on extinguishment of debt			(18	)		—			(1,351	)
	Share-based compensation			(239	)		(254	)		(278	)
	Amortization of intangible assets			(555	)		(588	)		(595	)
	Other, net (b)			(947	)		(739	)		(987	)
	Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Taxes		$	2,518		$	2,041		$	(220	)
	(b)	Other, net includes: charges for cost reduction initiatives of approximately $290 million in 2014, $350 million in 2013 and charges of $430 million in 2012.
Schedule of information about long-lived assets by segment
			Depreciation (c)									Additions to						Total Assets
												Long-term Assets
	(in millions)		2014			2013			2012			2014		2013		2012		2014		2013		2012
	Established Pharmaceuticals		$	72		$	63		$	135		$	136	$	128	$	237	$	2,244	$	1,445	$	1,382
	Nutritionals			173			190			175			174		340		428		3,435		3,518		3,211
	Diagnostics			314			368			295			349		394		349		2,964		3,312		3,286
	Vascular			84			122			76			28		62		69		1,529		1,711		1,834
	Total Reportable Segments			643			743			681			687		924		1,083	$	10,172	$	9,986	$	9,713
	Other			275			185			682			4,603		981		902
	Total		$	918		$	928		$	1,363		$	5,290	$	1,905	$	1,985
	(c)	Amounts in Other include depreciation related to discontinued operations.
Schedule of reconciliation of total assets by segment
			2014			2013			2012
			(in millions)
	Total Reportable Segment Assets		$	10,172		$	9,986		$	9,713
	Cash, investments and restricted funds (d)			4,689			8,217			15,448
	Current deferred income taxes (d)			1,705			2,528			2,986
	Non-reportable segments			1,211			1,153			1,141
	Goodwill and intangible assets (d)			16,265			15,507			24,362
	All other (d) (e)			7,233			5,562			13,585
	Total Assets		$	41,275		$	42,953		$	67,235
	(d)	In 2012, the reported amounts include assets associated with the businesses transferred to AbbVie as part of the separation.
	(e)	Includes amounts related to developed markets established pharmaceuticals and animal health.
Schedule of net sales by product type
			Net Sales to External									Long-term Assets
			Customers (f)
			2014			2013			2012			2014		2013		2012 (g)
			(in millions)
	United States		$	6,123		$	6,208		$	6,242		$	7,103	$	7,884	$	15,244
	China			1,321			1,083			859			366		356		259
	India			1,009			922			919			2,987		3,080		3,467
	Germany			978			963			837			887		1,040		6,173
	Japan			968			1,042			1,221			786		902		1,169
	The Netherlands			788			960			1,107			569		560		532
	Switzerland			707			792			693			2,067		1,117		1,214
	Russia			536			525			485			159		30		37
	Brazil			508			470			448			197		216		200
	France			488			480			453			302		213		220
	Canada			462			493			471			196		368		352
	United Kingdom			447			395			396			1,301		1,380		1,345
	Italy			436			457			412			83		100		222
	Spain			310			276			283			281		326		314
	All Other Countries			5,166			4,591			4,224			8,730		6,134		5,164
	Consolidated		$	20,247		$	19,657		$	19,050		$	26,014	$	23,706	$	35,912
	(f)	Sales by country are based on the country that sold the product.
	(g)	Amounts reported in 2012 include assets associated with businesses transferred to AbbVie as part of the separation.

Quarterly_Results_Unaudited_Ta

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
	(in millions except per share data)
			2014		2013
	First Quarter
	Continuing Operations:
	Net Sales		$	4,755	$	4,847
	Gross Profit			2,354		2,479
	Earnings from Continuing Operations			224		464
	Basic Earnings per Common Share			0.15		0.29
	Diluted Earnings per Common Share			0.14		0.29
	Net Earnings			375		545
	Basic Earnings Per Common Share (a)			0.24		0.35
	Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (a)			0.24		0.34
	Market Price Per Share-High			40.49		35.34
	Market Price Per Share-Low			35.65		31.64
	Second Quarter
	Continuing Operations:
	Net Sales		$	5,057	$	4,933
	Gross Profit			2,636		2,429
	Earnings from Continuing Operations			425		397
	Basic Earnings per Common Share			0.28		0.25
	Diluted Earnings per Common Share			0.28		0.25
	Net Earnings			466		476
	Basic Earnings Per Common Share (a)			0.30		0.30
	Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (a)			0.30		0.30
	Market Price Per Share-High			41.30		38.77
	Market Price Per Share-Low			36.65		34.69
	Third Quarter
	Continuing Operations:
	Net Sales		$	5,079	$	4,805
	Gross Profit			2,628		2,417
	Earnings from Continuing Operations			438		644
	Basic Earnings per Common Share			0.29		0.41
	Diluted Earnings per Common Share			0.29		0.41
	Net Earnings			538		966
	Basic Earnings Per Common Share (a)			0.36		0.62
	Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (a)			0.36		0.61
	Market Price Per Share-High			44.20		37.16
	Market Price Per Share-Low			40.92		32.70
	Fourth Quarter
	Continuing Operations:
	Net Sales		$	5,356	$	5,072
	Gross Profit			2,856		2,551
	Earnings from Continuing Operations			634		483
	Basic Earnings per Common Share			0.42		0.31
	Diluted Earnings per Common Share			0.41		0.31
	Net Earnings			905		589
	Basic Earnings Per Common Share (a)			0.59		0.38
	Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (a)			0.59		0.37
	Market Price Per Share-High			46.50		38.81
	Market Price Per Share-Low			39.28		32.75
	(a)	The sum of the four quarters of earnings per share for 2014 and 2013 may not add to the full year earnings per share amount due to rounding and/or the use of quarter-to-date weighted average shares to calculate the earnings per share amount in each respective quarter.

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	item
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings from continuing operations allocated to common shares	$1,713	$1,979	$236
Net earnings allocated to common shares	2,273	2,558	5,917
Investments and Cash [Abstract]
Investments in two publicly traded companies	$95
No Of Publicly Traded Companies	2
PENSION AND POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Amortization period of differences Between the expected long-term return on plan assets and the actual return	5 years
Model used to derive fair value	discounted cash flow model or Black-Scholes model
Buildings | Minimum
Property and equipment:
Estimated Useful Lives	10 years
Buildings | Maximum
Property and equipment:
Estimated Useful Lives	50 years
Buildings | Average
Property and equipment:
Estimated Useful Lives	27 years
Equipment | Minimum
Property and equipment:
Estimated Useful Lives	3 years
Equipment | Maximum
Property and equipment:
Estimated Useful Lives	20 years
Equipment | Average
Property and equipment:
Estimated Useful Lives	11 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (Trade receivables, Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Trade receivables | Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal
Concentration of Risk
Trade receivables by principal customers (as a percent)	9.00%	12.00%

Separation_of_AbbVie_Inc_Detai

Separation of AbbVie Inc. (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
AbbVie
Financial information for discontinued operations
Term by which the transition services agreement can be extended	1 year
AbbVie | Maximum
Financial information for discontinued operations
Term for which transition services may be provided	24 months
Proprietary Pharmaceuticals Business Assets and Liabilities Held for Disposal | AbbVie
Additional disclosures
Trade accounts receivable	$79
Inventories	45
Equipment	3
Other assets	30
Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities	277
Obligation to transfer the net assets held for disposition included in other current liabilities	120
Discontinued operations
Additional disclosures
Earnings from discontinued operations, net tax benefits	$166	$193

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Net sales	$2,076	$2,191	$20,824
Pretax income	505	480	6,483
Net income	563	588	5,726
Developed markets generics pharmaceuticals and animal health business
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Net sales	2,076	2,191	2,444
Pretax income	505	480	525
Net income	397	395	342
AbbVie
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Net sales			18,380
Pretax income			5,958
Net income	166	193	5,384
Income Tax expense (benefit) on discontinued operation	($58)	($108)	$757

Discontinued_Operations_Detail1

Discontinued Operations (Details 2) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets held for disposition		$892	$438
Current liabilities held for disposition		680	386
Non-current liabilities held for disposition		108	7
Developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business
Number of shares received for sale of generics pharmaceuticals business to Mylan Inc	110
Period of notice require to terminate manufacturing supply of products		2 years
Trade receivables, net		498	163
Total inventories		254	243
Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables		140	32
Current assets held for disposition		892	438
Net property and equipment		125	28
Intangible assets, net of amortization		804
Goodwill		950
Deferred income taxes and other assets		55	38
Non-current assets held for disposition		1,934	66
Total assets held for disposition		2,826	504
Trade accounts payable		423	285
Salaries, wages, commissions and other accrued liabilities		257	101
Current liabilities held for disposition		680	386
Post-employment obligations, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities		108	7
Total liabilities held for disposition		$788	$393
Developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business | Minimum
Period for providing manufacturing supply of products		3 years
Developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business | Maximum
Period of transition services		2 years
Period for providing manufacturing supply of products		10 years

Supplemental_Financial_Informa2

Supplemental Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Component of long-term investment
Long-term Investment Securities	$229,000,000		$119,000,000
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	1,403,000,000	2,257,000,000	1,965,000,000
Net loss on extinguishment of debt	-18,000,000	-1,351,000,000
Redemption amount	500,000,000	7,700,000,000
Premium paid and the write off of deferred financing costs		1,830,000,000
Revaluation of Abbott net monetary assets	240,000,000
Other Accrued Liabilities:
Accrued rebates payable to government agencies	88,000,000		136,000,000
Accrued other rebates	239,000,000		220,000,000
All other	2,616,000,000		3,144,000,000
Total	2,943,000,000		3,500,000,000
Accrued wholesaler chargeback rebates	50,000,000		90,000,000
Post-employment Obligations and Other Long-term Liabilities:
Defined benefit pension plans and post-employment medical and dental plans for significant plans	2,875,000,000		1,818,000,000
Deferred income taxes	860,000,000		466,000,000
All other	1,853,000,000		2,500,000,000
Total	5,588,000,000		4,784,000,000
Venezuela
Component of long-term investment
Abbott's total net sales in revenue from operations (as a percent)	2.00%
Venezuelan bolivars
Component of long-term investment
Official rate to U.S. dollar	6.3
Designated as hedging instrument | Fair value hedges | Interest rate swaps
Component of long-term investment
Gain related to the unwinding of interest rate swaps related a portion of the debt		479,000,000
Other Accrued Liabilities: | Piramal Healthcare Limited's Healthcare Solutions
Component of long-term investment
Contingent consideration	400,000,000		400,000,000
Post-employment Obligations and Other Long-term Liabilities:
Component of long-term investment
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	1,300,000,000		1,300,000,000
Post-employment Obligations and Other Long-term Liabilities: | Piramal Healthcare Limited's Healthcare Solutions
Component of long-term investment
Contingent consideration	220,000,000		70,000,000
Defined Benefit Plans
Post-employment Obligations and Other Long-term Liabilities:
Defined benefit pension plans and post-employment medical and dental plans for significant plans	1,950,000,000		983,000,000
Medical and Dental Plans
Post-employment Obligations and Other Long-term Liabilities:
Defined benefit pension plans and post-employment medical and dental plans for significant plans	925,000,000		835,000,000
Equity securities
Component of long-term investment
Long-term Investment Securities	212,000,000		93,000,000
Other
Component of long-term investment
Long-term Investment Securities	$17,000,000		$26,000,000

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other comprehensive income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
Balance at the beginning of the period	($2,012)	($3,594)
Separation of AbbVie		1,010
Other comprehensive income (loss) before Reclassifications	-3,066	531
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	25	41
Net current period comprehensive income	-3,041	572
Balance at the end of the period	-5,053	-2,012
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Other comprehensive income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
Balance at the beginning of the period	-718	-79
Separation of AbbVie		-400
Other comprehensive income (loss) before Reclassifications	-2,206	-239
Net current period comprehensive income	-2,206	-239
Balance at the end of the period	-2,924	-718
Net Actuarial Losses and Prior Service Costs and Credits
Other comprehensive income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
Balance at the beginning of the period	-1,312	-3,596
Separation of AbbVie		1,402
Other comprehensive income (loss) before Reclassifications	-970	771
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	53	111
Net current period comprehensive income	-917	882
Balance at the end of the period	-2,229	-1,312
Cumulative Unrealized Gains on Marketable Equity Securities
Other comprehensive income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
Balance at the beginning of the period	13	31
Other comprehensive income (loss) before Reclassifications	4	22
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-16	-40
Net current period comprehensive income	-12	-18
Balance at the end of the period	1	13
Cumulative Gains on Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Other comprehensive income from continuing operations, net of income taxes
Balance at the beginning of the period	5	50
Separation of AbbVie		8
Other comprehensive income (loss) before Reclassifications	106	-23
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-12	-30
Net current period comprehensive income	94	-53
Balance at the end of the period	$99	$5

Business_Acquisitions_Details

Business Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 26, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Business acquisitions
Net cash paid, net of cash on hand of acquired company	$3,317,000,000	$580,000,000	$706,000,000
Allocation of the fair value
Goodwill, non-deductible	10,067,000,000	9,772,000,000
Amortization period of acquired intangible assets	12 years
Minimum
Allocation of the fair value
Amortization period of acquired intangible assets	2 years
Maximum
Allocation of the fair value
Amortization period of acquired intangible assets	20 years
CFR Pharmaceuticals SA
Business acquisitions
Cash paid for business acquisition				2,900,000,000
Net cash paid, net of cash on hand of acquired company				2,800,000,000
Assumed debt				570,000,000
Acquisition cost				3,400,000,000
Percentage of voting interest acquired				99.90%
Fair value of the non-controlling interest at the acquisition date				3,000,000
Allocation of the fair value
Acquired intangible assets, non-deductible	1,800,000,000			1,800,000,000
Goodwill, non-deductible				1,590,000,000
Acquired net tangible assets				70,000,000
Deferred income taxes recorded at acquisition				-540,000,000
Total preliminary allocation of fair value				2,920,000,000
Cash and cash equivalents				94,000,000
Trade accounts receivable				179,000,000
Inventory				177,000,000
Other current assets				51,000,000
Property and equipment				214,000,000
Other long-term assets				138,000,000
Borrowings				570,000,000
Trade accounts payable and other current liabilities				192,000,000
Other noncurrent liabilities				15,000,000
Pro forma financial information
Annualized net sales expected				800,000,000
CFR Pharmaceuticals SA | Minimum
Allocation of the fair value
Amortization period of acquired intangible assets				12 years
CFR Pharmaceuticals SA | Maximum
Allocation of the fair value
Amortization period of acquired intangible assets				16 years
CFR Pharmaceuticals SA | Average
Allocation of the fair value
Amortization period of acquired intangible assets				15 years
IDEV Technologies
Business acquisitions
Cash paid for business acquisition					310,000,000
Percentage of voting interest acquired					100.00%
Allocation of the fair value
Goodwill, non-deductible					112,000,000
Amortization period of acquired intangible assets					11 years
Pro forma financial information
Non-deductible acquired in-process research and development					170,000,000
Non-deductible definite-lived intangible assets					66,000,000
Net deferred tax liabilities					47,000,000
OptiMedica
Business acquisitions
Cash paid for business acquisition					260,000,000
Percentage of voting interest acquired					100.00%
Allocation of the fair value
Goodwill, non-deductible					130,000,000
Amortization period of acquired intangible assets					18 years
Pro forma financial information
Additional payments upon completion of certain development, regulatory and sales milestones					150,000,000
Non-deductible acquired in-process research and development					60,000,000
Non-deductible definite-lived intangible assets					160,000,000
Net deferred tax liabilities					49,000,000
Contingent consideration					70,000,000
Veropharm
Business acquisitions
Cash paid for business acquisition	315,000,000
Assumed debt	90,000,000
Acquisition cost	5,000,000
Percentage of voting interest acquired	98.00%
Fair value of the non-controlling interest at the acquisition date	410,000,000
Allocation of the fair value
Goodwill, non-deductible	60,000,000
Amortization period of acquired intangible assets	16 years
Trade accounts receivable	45,000,000
Inventory	25,000,000
Other current assets	10,000,000
Property and equipment	185,000,000
Pro forma financial information
Non-deductible definite-lived intangible assets	120,000,000
Net deferred tax liabilities	35,000,000
Topera
Business acquisitions
Cash paid for business acquisition	250,000,000
Assumed debt	300,000,000
Allocation of the fair value
Goodwill, non-deductible	190,000,000
Amortization period of acquired intangible assets	16 years
Pro forma financial information
Non-deductible acquired in-process research and development	20,000,000
Non-deductible definite-lived intangible assets	325,000,000
Net deferred tax liabilities	120,000,000
Contingent consideration	$165,000,000

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 02, 2013
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill moved to non-current assets held for disposition	$950
Change in goodwill due to foreign currency translation and other adjustments	-566	-168	69
Amount of reduction of goodwill relating to impairments	0
Amount of reductions of goodwill relating to the disposal of all or a portion of a business other than the effects of the separation of AbbVie	0
IDEV Technologies and OptiMedica
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill on acquisition		274
CFR Pharmaceuticals, Verapharm and Topera
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill on acquisition	1,800
Other Acquisition Member
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Amount of goodwill increased, decreased or transferred	-30
AbbVie
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Amount of goodwill increased, decreased or transferred				6,100
Established Pharmaceutical Products
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill on acquisition	3,300
Nutritional Products
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill on acquisition	286
Diagnostic Products
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill on acquisition	445
Vascular Products
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill on acquisition	$2,900

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 26, 2014	Jan. 01, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Gross amount of amortizable intangible assets	$11,000,000,000	$12,200,000,000
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets	4,900,000,000	6,800,000,000
Indefinite-lived intangible assets related to in-process research and development acquired in a business combination	134,000,000	265,000,000
Net intangible assets held for disposition	804,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2015	696,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2016	676,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2017	657,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2018	557,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2019	484,000,000
Average amortization period, intangible assets	12 years
Impairment charges for certain research and development assets		69,000,000
CFR Pharmaceuticals SA
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Increased intangible assets	1,800,000,000		1,800,000,000
AbbVie
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Gross amount of amortizable intangible assets				5,700,000,000
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets				3,800,000,000
Indefinite-lived intangible assets related to in-process research and development acquired in a business combination				$417,000,000
Minimum
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Average amortization period, intangible assets	2 years
Minimum | CFR Pharmaceuticals SA
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Average amortization period, intangible assets			12 years
Maximum
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Average amortization period, intangible assets	20 years
Maximum | CFR Pharmaceuticals SA
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Average amortization period, intangible assets			16 years

Restructuring_Plans_Details

Restructuring Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Plan 2013 and Prior Years
Restructuring costs
Employee related severance and other charges	$11
Restructuring charges	11
Restructuring Reserve	20	129	18	177
Accelerated depreciation in restructuring charges	41	110
Restructuring Plan 2013 and Prior Years | Cost of products sold
Restructuring costs
Restructuring charges	11
Restructuring Plan 2012 And 2010 Member
Restructuring costs
Employee related severance and other charges		150
Restructuring Reserve	0
Restructuring Plan 2012 And 2010 Member | AbbVie
Restructuring costs
Restructuring Reserve		115
Restructuring Plan 2011 and 2008
Restructuring costs
Restructuring Reserve	41	56	21	79
Accelerated depreciation and product transfer costs		16
Restructuring Plan 2014
Restructuring costs
Employee related severance and other charges			164
Restructuring Reserve	164		118
Accelerated depreciation in restructuring charges			39
Restructuring Plan 2014 | Cost of products sold
Restructuring costs
Restructuring charges			20
Restructuring Plan 2014 | Selling, general and administrative expense
Restructuring costs
Restructuring charges			91
Restructuring Plan 2014 | Research and development
Restructuring costs
Restructuring charges			53
Restructuring Plan 2014 and 2013
Restructuring costs
Employee related severance and other charges	78	167	125
Restructuring charges	78	167	125
Restructuring Reserve	148		135
Accelerated depreciation in restructuring charges	4	22
Restructuring Plan 2014 and 2013 | Cost of products sold
Restructuring costs
Restructuring charges	14	48	7
Restructuring Plan 2014 and 2013 | Selling, general and administrative expense
Restructuring costs
Restructuring charges	32	48
Restructuring Plan 2014 and 2013 | Research and development
Restructuring costs
Restructuring charges	$112		$6

Restructuring_Plans_Details_2

Restructuring Plans (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Plan 2013 and Prior Years
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance of the period	$20	$129	$177
Restructuring charges		11
Transfer of liability to AbbVie		-62
Payments and other adjustments	-2	-58	-48
Restructuring reserve, ending balance of the period	18	20	129
Accelerated depreciation in restructuring charges		41	110
Restructuring Plan 2011 and 2008
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance of the period	41	56	79
Payments and other adjustments	-20	-15	-23
Restructuring reserve, ending balance of the period	21	41	56
Restructuring Plan 2014
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance of the period	164
Payments and other adjustments	-46
Restructuring reserve, ending balance of the period	118
Accelerated depreciation in restructuring charges	39
Restructuring Plan 2014 and 2013
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance of the period	148
Restructuring charges	125	78	167
Payments and other adjustments	-138	-97
Restructuring reserve, ending balance of the period	135	148
Accelerated depreciation in restructuring charges		4	22
Abbott
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring charges		$32	$71

Incentive_Stock_Program_Detail

Incentive Stock Program (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Incentive stock programs, shares reserved for future grants	110,000,000
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Award vesting period	3 years
Stock options outstanding, weighted-average remaining life	4 years 1 month 6 days	4 years
Exercisable options, weighted-average remaining life	3 years	3 years 1 month 6 days
Stock options outstanding during the period
Stock options outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	42,757,340
Stock options outstanding at the beginning of the period, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$26.15
Stock options granted during the period (in shares)	3,905,076
Stock options granted during the period, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$39.20
Stock options exercised during the period (in shares)	-9,645,856
Stock options exercised during the period, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$24.85
Stock options lapsed during the period (in shares)	-219,860
Stock options lapsed during the period, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$33.97
Stock options outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	36,796,700	42,757,340
Stock options outstanding at the end of the period, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$27.83	$26.15
Exercisable options outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	29,276,499	36,185,039
Exercisable options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$25.02
Exercisable options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$25.60	$25.02
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	$634
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable	570
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	152	120	528
Total unrecognized compensation cost	150
Total unrecognized compensation cost, recognition period	3 years
Total non-cash compensation expense charged against income	239	254	278
Tax benefit recognized in total non-cash compensation expense	79	82	85
Fair value of an option granted (in dollars per share)	$6.39	$5.77	$6.80
Fair value assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.90%	1.10%	1.20%
Average life of options	6 years	6 years	6 years
Volatility (as a percent)	20.00%	20.00%	21.00%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	2.20%	1.60%	3.60%
Stock options | 2009 Incentive Stock Program
Stock options outstanding during the period
Stock options granted during the period (in shares)	3,905,076
Stock options | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Maximum term of option	10 years
Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Awards and units outstanding (in shares)	12,671,328	14,385,221
Awards and units outstanding, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$35.48	$30.13
Awards and units granted during period (in shares)	6,235,730
Awards and units granted during period, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$39.20
Awards and units vested during period (in shares)	7,204,498
Awards and units vested during period, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$28.13
Awards and units lapsed during period (in shares)	745,125
Awards and units lapsed during period, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$34.31
Fair value of awards and units vested	$281	$274	$385
Replacement stock options | 2009 Incentive Stock Program
Stock options outstanding during the period
Stock options granted during the period (in shares)	584,354
Restricted stock awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
For awards with a term of five years, number of years in which no more than one-third of the award vests	1 year
Portion of awards vesting in any one year for awards that vest over 5 years (as a percent)	33.00%
Restricted stock awards | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Award vesting period	3 years
Restricted stock awards | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Award vesting period	5 years
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Award vesting period	3 years
Number of shares of common stock received for each vested restricted stock unit (in shares)	1
Restricted stock units | 2009 Incentive Stock Program
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Awards and units granted during period (in shares)	5,434,799

Debt_and_Lines_of_Credit_Detai

Debt and Lines of Credit (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$3,408,000,000		$3,388,000,000
Current portion of long-term debt	55,000,000		9,000,000
Total carrying amount	3,463,000,000		3,397,000,000
Redemption amount	500,000,000	7,700,000,000
Net loss on extinguishment of debt	18,000,000	1,351,000,000
Extinguishment of long-term debt	500,000,000
Principal payments of long-term debt
Principal payments required in 2015	55,000,000
Principal payments required in 2016	8,000,000
Principal payments required in 2017	11,000,000
Principal payments required in 2018	2,000,000
Principal payments required in 2019	1,000,000,000
Principal payments required in 2020 and thereafter	2,400,000,000
Unused lines of credit	5,000,000,000
Weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings (as a percent)	0.20%	0.40%	0.20%
AbbVie
Debt Instrument
Long-term debt issued		14,700,000,000
AbbVie | Minimum
Debt Instrument
Maturity period		3 years
AbbVie | Maximum
Debt Instrument
Maturity period		30 years
5.125% Notes, due 2019
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	947,000,000		947,000,000
Interest rate percentage	5.13%		5.13%
4.125% Notes, due 2020
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	597,000,000		597,000,000
Interest rate percentage	4.13%		4.13%
6.15% Notes, due 2037
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	547,000,000		547,000,000
Interest rate percentage	6.15%		6.15%
6.0% Notes, due 2039
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	515,000,000		515,000,000
Interest rate percentage	6.00%		6.00%
5.3% Notes, due 2040
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	694,000,000		694,000,000
Interest rate percentage	5.30%		5.30%
Other, including fair value adjustments relating to interest rate hedge contracts designated as fair value hedges
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$108,000,000		$88,000,000

Financial_Instruments_Derivati2

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 02, 2013
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair Value - Assets	$358,000,000	$171,000,000
Fair Value - Liabilities	575,000,000	580,000,000
Gross unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale equity securities	3,000,000	22,000,000	51,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Short-term borrowings | Net investment hedges
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair Value - Liabilities	445,000,000	505,000,000	615,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swaps | Fair value hedges
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Notional amount of cash flow hedge instruments	1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000	9,500,000,000
Amount of hedge ineffectiveness recorded in income	0	0	0
Contracts transferred to AbbVie				8,000,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swaps | Deferred income taxes and other assets | Fair value hedges
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair Value - Assets	101,000,000	87,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cash flow hedges
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Notional amount of cash flow hedge instruments	1,500,000,000	137,000,000
Contracts transferred to AbbVie				1,000,000,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair Value - Assets	107,000,000	14,000,000
Not designated as hedging instrument | Other accrued liabilities
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair Value - Liabilities	445,000,000	505,000,000
Not designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Notional amount of cash flow hedge instruments	14,100,000,000	13,800,000,000	18,200,000,000
Contracts transferred to AbbVie				4,300,000,000
Not designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair Value - Assets	150,000,000	70,000,000
Not designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other accrued liabilities
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair Value - Liabilities	$130,000,000	$75,000,000

Financial_Instruments_Derivati3

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net investment hedges | Designated as hedging instrument
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Gain (loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (loss)	($60)	$110	$65
Interest rate swaps | Fair value hedges | Designated as hedging instrument | Interest expense
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Gain (loss) Reclassified into Income	14	-98	62
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Not designated as hedging instrument | Net foreign exchange loss (gain)
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Income (expense)	122	84	125
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cash flow hedges | Designated as hedging instrument | Cost of products sold
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Gain (loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (loss)	105	35	13
Gain (loss) Reclassified into Income	$11	$44	$113

Financial_Instruments_Derivati4

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Long-term Investment Securities	$229	$119
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, receivable position	358	171
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, (payable) position	-575	-580
Equity securities
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Long-term Investment Securities	212	93
Carrying value
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Total long-term debt	-3,463	-3,397
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, receivable position	263	84
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, (payable) position	-135	-75
Interest rate hedge contracts, receivable position	101	87
Carrying value | Equity securities
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Long-term Investment Securities	212	93
Carrying value | Other
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Long-term Investment Securities	17	26
Fair value
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Total long-term debt	-4,113	-3,930
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, receivable position	263	84
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, (payable) position	-135	-75
Interest rate hedge contracts, receivable position	101	87
Fair value | Equity securities
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Long-term Investment Securities	212	93
Fair value | Other
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Long-term Investment Securities	$17	$24

Financial_Instruments_Derivati5

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Fair Value - Assets	$358	$171
Fair Value - Liabilities	575	580
Fair value
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Contingent consideration related to business combinations	450
Recurring | Fair value
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Equity securities	9	26
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments, assets	101	87
Total Assets	373	197
Fair value of hedged long-term debt	1,637	1,623
Contingent consideration related to business combinations	243	208
Total Liabilities	2,015	1,906
Recurring | Fair value | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Fair Value - Assets	263	84
Fair Value - Liabilities	135	75
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Equity securities	9	26
Total Assets	9	26
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments, assets	101	87
Total Assets	364	171
Fair value of hedged long-term debt	1,637	1,623
Total Liabilities	1,772	1,698
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Fair Value - Assets	263	84
Fair Value - Liabilities	135	75
Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Contingent consideration related to business combinations	243	208
Total Liabilities	$243	$208

Litigation_and_Environmental_M1

Litigation and Environmental Matters (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Loss Contingencies
Maximum expected cleanup exposure for individual site	$4
Maximum expected cleanup exposure in aggregate	15
Other legal proceedings and environmental exposures
Loss Contingencies
Other legal proceedings or environmental exposure, minimum	70
Other legal proceedings or environmental exposure, maximum	85
Recorded reserve balance for legal proceedings and exposures	$80

PostEmployment_Benefits_Detail

Post-Employment Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 02, 2013
Projected benefit obligations greater than plan assets
Long-term liabilities	($2,875,000,000)		($1,818,000,000)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss):
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	-5,053,000,000	-3,594,000,000	-2,012,000,000
Projected benefit obligations	2,500,000,000		2,000,000,000
Accumulated benefit obligations	7,300,000,000		5,500,000,000
The aggregate accumulated benefit obligations, the projected benefit obligations and the aggregate plan assets
Accumulated benefit obligation	4,315,000,000		408,000,000
Projected benefit obligation	5,133,000,000		505,000,000
Fair value of plan assets	3,170,000,000
A one percentage point increase / (decrease) in the assumed health care cost
Increase in accumulated post employment benefit obligations due to a one percentage point increase in the assumed health care cost	208,000,000
Decrease in accumulated post employment benefit obligations due to a one percentage point decrease in the assumed health care cost	-168,000,000
Increase in the total of service and interest cost components of net post employment health care cost due to a one percentage point increase in the assumed health care cost	16,000,000
Decrease in the total of service and interest cost components of net post employment health care cost due to a one percentage point decrease in the assumed health care cost	-12,000,000
AbbVie
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss):
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes				1,400,000,000
The aggregate accumulated benefit obligations, the projected benefit obligations and the aggregate plan assets
Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized in other comprehensive income		167,000,000
Defined Benefit Plans
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	269,000,000	389,000,000	303,000,000
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations	317,000,000	460,000,000	276,000,000
Expected return on plan assets	-458,000,000	-611,000,000	-396,000,000
Actuarial loss, net	103,000,000	244,000,000	169,000,000
Prior service cost (credit)	2,000,000	2,000,000	3,000,000
Net Cost	233,000,000	484,000,000	355,000,000
Net amortization of:
Company contributions	393,000,000		724,000,000
Projected benefit obligations:
Projected benefit obligations, balance at the beginning of the period	6,432,000,000		11,322,000,000
(Gains) losses, primarily changes in discount rates, plan design changes, law changes and differences between actual and estimated health care costs	1,554,000,000		-650,000,000
Benefits paid	-222,000,000		-185,000,000
Separation of AbbVie Inc			-4,654,000,000
Other, including foreign currency translation	-5,000,000		20,000,000
Projected benefit obligations, balance at the end of the period	8,345,000,000	11,322,000,000	6,432,000,000
Plan assets at fair value:
Plan assets at fair value, balance at the beginning of the period	6,123,000,000		7,949,000,000
Actual return on plans' assets	529,000,000		727,000,000
Benefits paid	-222,000,000		-185,000,000
Separation of AbbVie Inc			-3,107,000,000
Other, primarily foreign currency translation	-69,000,000		15,000,000
Plan assets at fair value, balance at the end of the period	6,754,000,000	7,949,000,000	6,123,000,000
Projected benefit obligations greater than plan assets
Projected benefit obligations greater than plan assets, December 31	-1,591,000,000		-309,000,000
Long-term assets	374,000,000		685,000,000
Short-term liabilities	-15,000,000		-11,000,000
Long-term liabilities	-1,950,000,000		-983,000,000
Net liability	-1,591,000,000		-309,000,000
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss):
Actuarial losses, net	3,187,000,000		1,791,000,000
Prior service cost (credits)	1,000,000		20,000,000
Total	3,188,000,000		1,811,000,000
The aggregate accumulated benefit obligations, the projected benefit obligations and the aggregate plan assets
Net actuarial gains and prior service credits	1,600,000,000		995,000,000
Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized in other comprehensive income		1,200,000,000
Pretax amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), expected to be recognized in the net period benefit cost in 2014
Pretax amount of actuarial losses expected to recognized in the net periodic benefit cost in 2015	191,000,000
Pretax amount of prior service cost (credits) expected to recognized in the net periodic benefit cost in 2014	0
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.90%	4.30%	4.90%
Expected aggregate average long term change in compensation (as a percent)	4.30%	5.30%	5.00%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine the net cost
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.90%	5.00%	4.20%
Expected return on plan assets (as a percent)	7.50%	8.00%	7.80%
Expected aggregate average long-term change in compensation (as a percent)	4.90%	5.30%	5.00%
Defined Benefit Plans | Discontinued operations
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost
Net Cost	-1,000,000	-209,000,000	-3,000,000
Defined Benefit Plans | Continuing operations
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost
Net Cost	232,000,000	275,000,000	352,000,000
Medical and Dental Plans
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	33,000,000	61,000,000	43,000,000
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations	63,000,000	81,000,000	59,000,000
Expected return on plan assets	-40,000,000	-33,000,000	-36,000,000
Actuarial loss, net	16,000,000	34,000,000	34,000,000
Prior service cost (credit)	-39,000,000	-42,000,000	-35,000,000
Net Cost	33,000,000	101,000,000	65,000,000
Net amortization of:
Company contributions	41,000,000		40,000,000
Projected benefit obligations:
Projected benefit obligations, balance at the beginning of the period	1,297,000,000		1,889,000,000
(Gains) losses, primarily changes in discount rates, plan design changes, law changes and differences between actual and estimated health care costs	187,000,000		-156,000,000
Benefits paid	-57,000,000		-60,000,000
Separation of AbbVie Inc			-450,000,000
Other, including foreign currency translation	-112,000,000		-28,000,000
Projected benefit obligations, balance at the end of the period	1,411,000,000	1,889,000,000	1,297,000,000
Plan assets at fair value:
Plan assets at fair value, balance at the beginning of the period	462,000,000		417,000,000
Actual return on plans' assets	32,000,000		61,000,000
Benefits paid	-50,000,000		-56,000,000
Plan assets at fair value, balance at the end of the period	485,000,000	417,000,000	462,000,000
Projected benefit obligations greater than plan assets
Projected benefit obligations greater than plan assets, December 31	-926,000,000		-835,000,000
Short-term liabilities	-1,000,000
Long-term liabilities	-925,000,000		-835,000,000
Net liability	-926,000,000		-835,000,000
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss):
Actuarial losses, net	509,000,000		334,000,000
Prior service cost (credits)	-348,000,000		-252,000,000
Total	161,000,000		82,000,000
The aggregate accumulated benefit obligations, the projected benefit obligations and the aggregate plan assets
Net actuarial gains and prior service credits	57,000,000
Net actuarial (gains) losses recognized in other comprehensive income		134,000,000	201,000,000
Pretax amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), expected to be recognized in the net period benefit cost in 2014
Pretax amount of actuarial losses expected to recognized in the net periodic benefit cost in 2015	49,000,000
Pretax amount of prior service cost (credits) expected to recognized in the net periodic benefit cost in 2014	33,000,000
Assumed health care cost trend rates
Health care cost trend rate assumed for the next year (as a percent)	8.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Year that rate reaches the assumed ultimate rate	2025	2019	2019
Medical and Dental Plans | Discontinued operations
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost
Net Cost		-48,000,000
Medical and Dental Plans | Continuing operations
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost
Net Cost	$33,000,000	$53,000,000	$65,000,000

PostEmployment_Benefits_Detail1

Post-Employment Benefits (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
One-month Libor / Euribor	one-month Libor / Euribor
Total benefit payments expected to be paid to participants
Contribution to Abbott Stock Retirement Plan, defined contribution plan	$85	$86	$150
Defined Benefit Plans
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	6,754	6,123	7,949
Defined benefit plan, expected contributions in future	585
Total benefit payments expected to be paid to participants
2015	212
2016	225
2017	240
2018	259
2019	278
2020 to 2024	1,735
Domestic defined benefit plan
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plan, expected contributions in future	470
Medical and Dental Plans
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	485	462	417
Total benefit payments expected to be paid to participants
2015	70
2016	71
2017	72
2018	73
2019	74
2020 to 2024	407
U.S. large cap
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
A mix of index funds that track S and P 500 (as a percent)	50.00%	60.00%
Separate actively managed securities that are benchmarked to russell 1000 (as a percent)	50.00%	40.00%
U.S. mid cap
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Mix of index funds investments (as a percent)	70.00%	70.00%
Separate actively managed securities that track and are benchmarked to S and P 400 mid-cap Index (as a percent)	30.00%	30.00%
International
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
A mix of index funds that track S and P 500 (as a percent)	20.00%	0.00%
Separate actively managed securities that track and are benchmarked to S and P 400 mid-cap Index (as a percent)	80.00%	100.00%
U.S. government securities
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
A mix of index funds not actively managed (as a percent)	65.00%	50.00%
Separate actively managed accounts (as a percentage)	35.00%	50.00%
Corporate debt instruments
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
A mix of index funds not actively managed (as a percent)	15.00%	40.00%
Separate actively managed accounts (as a percentage)	85.00%	60.00%
Other,
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Primarily mortgage backed securities (as a percentage)	40.00%	100.00%
Actively Managed Diversified Fixed Income Vehicle Benchmarked(as a percentage)	60.00%	0.00%
Other.
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Primarily cash and cash equivalents (as a percentage)	75.00%	100.00%
Investment in real estate funds (as a percentage)	25.00%	0.00%
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	2,133	2,378
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | U.S. large cap
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	757	741
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | U.S. mid cap
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	142	134
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | International
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	445	608
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | U.S. government securities
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	10	61
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | Corporate debt instruments
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	130	108
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | Non U.S. government securities
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	286	305
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | Other,
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	35	69
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | Absolute return funds
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	203	197
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | Commodities
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	10	6
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | Other.
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	115	149
Significant Other Observable Inputs
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	4,438	3,652
Significant Other Observable Inputs | U.S. large cap
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	858	877
Significant Other Observable Inputs | U.S. mid cap
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	291	275
Significant Other Observable Inputs | International
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	908	711
Significant Other Observable Inputs | U.S. government securities
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	439	392
Significant Other Observable Inputs | Corporate debt instruments
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	443	270
Significant Other Observable Inputs | Non U.S. government securities
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	411	231
Significant Other Observable Inputs | Other,
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	95	8
Significant Other Observable Inputs | Absolute return funds
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	895	791
Significant Other Observable Inputs | Commodities
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	69	97
Significant Other Observable Inputs | Other.
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	29
Significant Unobservable Inputs
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	668	555	783
Significant Unobservable Inputs | Absolute return funds
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	533	486
Significant Unobservable Inputs | Commodities
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	86	67
Significant Unobservable Inputs | Other.
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	49	2
Fair value
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	7,239	6,585
Fair value | U.S. large cap
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	1,615	1,618
Fair value | U.S. mid cap
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	433	409
Fair value | International
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	1,353	1,319
Fair value | U.S. government securities
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	449	453
Fair value | Corporate debt instruments
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	573	378
Fair value | Non U.S. government securities
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	697	536
Fair value | Other,
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	130	77
Fair value | Absolute return funds
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	1,631	1,474
Fair value | Commodities
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	165	170
Fair value | Other.
Bases used to measure defined benefit plans assets at fair value
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	$193	$151

PostEmployment_Benefits_Detail2

Post-Employment Benefits (Details 3) (Significant Unobservable Inputs, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Unobservable Inputs
Retirement Plans
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	$668	$555
Change in value of assets that are measured using significant unobservable inputs
Plan assets at fair value, balance at the beginning of the period	555	783
Transfers in (out of) from other categories		6
Separation of AbbVie, Inc.		-165
Actual return on plan assets:
Assets on hand at year end	25	29
Assets sold during the year	21	51
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	67	-149
Plan assets at fair value, balance at the end of the period	$668	$555

Taxes_on_Earnings_from_Continu1

Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Taxes on Earnings
Favorable resolution of various tax positions and other unusual provision items	($103)	($230)
Decrease in gross unrecognized tax benefits due to favorable resolution of tax positions pertaining to prior years	856	541
Decrease in gross unrecognized tax benefits, upper bound	635
Decrease in gross unrecognized tax benefits, lower bound	525
Discontinued operations | AbbVie
Taxes on Earnings
Favorable resolution of various tax positions and other unusual provision items		($193)

Taxes_on_Earnings_from_Continu2

Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	item
Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations
Impact of debt extinguishment on domestic loss before taxes			$1,290,000,000
Number of items which are not settled in the U.S.	4
Undistributed earnings reinvested indefinitely in foreign subsidiaries		23,000,000,000
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Taxes:
Domestic	392,000,000	496,000,000	-1,581,000,000
Foreign	2,126,000,000	1,545,000,000	1,361,000,000
Earnings (loss) from Continuing Operations before Taxes	2,518,000,000	2,041,000,000	-220,000,000
Current:
Domestic	27,000,000	4,000,000	-44,000,000
Foreign, current tax	468,000,000	482,000,000	819,000,000
Total current taxes	495,000,000	486,000,000	775,000,000
Deferred:
Domestic, deferred tax	298,000,000	-308,000,000	-572,000,000
Foreign, deferred tax	4,000,000	-125,000,000	-660,000,000
Total deferred taxes	302,000,000	-433,000,000	-1,232,000,000
Total	797,000,000	53,000,000	-457,000,000
Differences between the effective income tax rate and the U.S. statutory tax rate:
Statutory tax rate on earnings from continuing operations (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Impact of foreign operation	0.70%	-18.50%	105.10%
Resolution of certain tax positions pertaining to prior years (as a percent)	-4.20%	-11.30%	96.20%
Effect of retroactive litigation (as a percent)		-5.00%
State taxes, net of federal benefit (as a percent)	-0.50%	2.10%	-4.60%
All other, net (as a percent)	0.60%	0.30%	-24.00%
Effective tax rate on earnings from continuing operations (as a percent)	31.60%	2.60%	207.70%
Deferred tax assets:
Compensation and employee benefits	1,239,000,000	862,000,000
Other, primarily reserves not currently deductible, and NOL's and credit carryforwards	2,759,000,000	2,908,000,000
Trade receivable reserves	146,000,000	155,000,000
Inventory reserves	152,000,000	137,000,000
Deferred intercompany profit	330,000,000	274,000,000
State income taxes	178,000,000	196,000,000
Total deferred tax assets	4,804,000,000	4,532,000,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	-93,000,000	-72,000,000
Other, primarily the excess of book basis over tax basis of intangible assets	-2,491,000,000	-1,774,000,000
Total deferred tax liabilities	-2,584,000,000	-1,846,000,000
Total net deferred tax assets	2,220,000,000	2,686,000,000
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Balance at the beginning of the period	1,965,000,000	2,257,000,000
Increase due to current year tax positions	220,000,000	244,000,000
Increase due to prior year tax positions	153,000,000	152,000,000
Lapse of statute		-23,000,000
Settlements	-79,000,000	-124,000,000
Balance at the end of the period	1,403,000,000	1,965,000,000	2,257,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	$1,300,000,000

Segment_and_Geograhic_Area_Inf

Segment and Geograhic Area Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers	$5,356	$5,079	$5,057	$4,755	$5,072	$4,805	$4,933	$4,847	$20,247	$19,657	$19,050
Operating Earnings									2,518	2,041	-220
Depreciation									918	928	1,363
Additions to Long-term Assets									5,290	1,905	1,985
Total Assets	41,275				42,953				41,275	42,953	67,235
Other
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									2,469	2,498	2,457
Depreciation									275	185	682
Additions to Long-term Assets									4,603	981	902
Total Assets	1,211				1,153				1,211	1,153	1,141
Total Reportable Segments
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									17,778	17,159	16,593
Operating Earnings									4,253	3,784	3,396
Depreciation									643	743	681
Additions to Long-term Assets									687	924	1,083
Total Assets	10,172				9,986				10,172	9,986	9,713
Total Reportable Segments | Established Pharmaceutical Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									3,118	2,862	2,769
Operating Earnings									624	551	531
Depreciation									72	63	135
Additions to Long-term Assets									136	128	237
Total Assets	2,244				1,445				2,244	1,445	1,382
Total Reportable Segments | Nutritional Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									6,953	6,740	6,461
Operating Earnings									1,459	1,263	1,020
Depreciation									173	190	175
Additions to Long-term Assets									174	340	428
Total Assets	3,435				3,518				3,435	3,518	3,211
Total Reportable Segments | Diagnostic Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									4,721	4,545	4,292
Operating Earnings									1,079	1,008	825
Depreciation									314	368	295
Additions to Long-term Assets									349	394	349
Total Assets	2,964				3,312				2,964	3,312	3,286
Total Reportable Segments | Vascular Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									2,986	3,012	3,071
Operating Earnings									1,091	962	1,020
Depreciation									84	122	76
Additions to Long-term Assets									28	62	69
Total Assets	$1,529				$1,711				$1,529	$1,711	$1,834

Segment_and_Geographic_Area_In2

Segment and Geographic Area Information (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information
Operating Earnings	$2,599	$2,133	$1,360
Net loss on extinguishment of debt	18		1,351
Amortization of intangible assets	-555	-588	-595
Earnings (loss) from Continuing Operations before Taxes	2,518	2,041	-220
Segment assets:
Current deferred income taxes	1,705	2,528
Total Assets	41,275	42,953	67,235
Total Reportable Segments
Segment Reporting Information
Operating Earnings	4,253	3,784	3,396
Earnings (loss) from Continuing Operations before Taxes	4,253	3,784	3,396
Segment assets:
Total Assets	10,172	9,986	9,713
Corporate functions
Segment Reporting Information
Corporate functions and benefit plans costs	-342	-514	-593
Reconciling items
Segment Reporting Information
Operating Earnings	439	430	449
Net interest expense	-73	-78	-261
Net loss on extinguishment of debt	-18		-1,351
Share-based compensation	-239	-254	-278
Amortization of intangible assets	-555	-588	-595
Other, net	-947	-739	-987
Separation related costs and cost reduction initiatives and integration	290	350	430
Segment assets:
Cash, investments and restricted funds	4,689	8,217	15,448
Current deferred income taxes	1,705	2,528	2,986
Goodwill and intangible assets	16,265	15,507	24,362
All other	$7,233	$5,562	$13,585

Segment_and_Geographic_Area_In3

Segment and Geographic Area Information (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers	$5,356	$5,079	$5,057	$4,755	$5,072	$4,805	$4,933	$4,847	$20,247	$19,657	$19,050
Long-term Assets	26,014				23,706				26,014	23,706	35,912
United States
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									6,123	6,208	6,242
Long-term Assets	7,103				7,884				7,103	7,884	15,244
Japan
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									968	1,042	1,221
Long-term Assets	786				902				786	902	1,169
Germany
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									978	963	837
Long-term Assets	887				1,040				887	1,040	6,173
The Netherlands
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									788	960	1,107
Long-term Assets	569				560				569	560	532
China
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									1,321	1,083	859
Long-term Assets	366				356				366	356	259
India
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									1,009	922	919
Long-term Assets	2,987				3,080				2,987	3,080	3,467
Brazil
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									508	470	448
Long-term Assets	197				216				197	216	200
Switzerland
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									707	792	693
Long-term Assets	2,067				1,117				2,067	1,117	1,214
Canada
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									462	493	471
Long-term Assets	196				368				196	368	352
Italy
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									436	457	412
Long-term Assets	83				100				83	100	222
France
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									488	480	453
Long-term Assets	302				213				302	213	220
Russia
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									536	525	485
Long-term Assets	159				30				159	30	37
Spain
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									310	276	283
Long-term Assets	281				326				281	326	314
United Kingdom
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									447	395	396
Long-term Assets	1,301				1,380				1,301	1,380	1,345
All Other Countries
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers									5,166	4,591	4,224
Long-term Assets	$8,730				$6,134				$8,730	$6,134	$5,164

Quarterly_Results_Unaudited_De

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
Net Sales	$5,356	$5,079	$5,057	$4,755	$5,072	$4,805	$4,933	$4,847	$20,247	$19,657	$19,050
Gross Profit	2,856	2,628	2,636	2,354	2,551	2,417	2,429	2,479
Earnings from Continuing Operations	634	438	425	224	483	644	397	464	1,721	1,988	237
Basic Earnings per Common Share	$0.42	$0.29	$0.28	$0.15	$0.31	$0.41	$0.25	$0.29	$1.13	$1.27	$0.15
Diluted Earnings per Common Share	$0.41	$0.29	$0.28	$0.14	$0.31	$0.41	$0.25	$0.29	$1.12	$1.26	$0.15
Net Earnings	$905	$538	$466	$375	$589	$966	$476	$545	$2,284	$2,576	$5,963
Basic Earnings Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$0.59	$0.36	$0.30	$0.24	$0.38	$0.62	$0.30	$0.35	$1.50	$1.64	$3.76
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$0.59	$0.36	$0.30	$0.24	$0.37	$0.61	$0.30	$0.34	$1.49	$1.62	$3.72
Minimum
Quarterly Results
Market Price Per Share	$39.28	$40.92	$36.65	$35.65	$32.75	$32.70	$34.69	$31.64	$39.28	$32.75
Maximum
Quarterly Results
Market Price Per Share	$46.50	$44.20	$41.30	$40.49	$38.81	$37.16	$38.77	$35.34	$46.50	$38.81

Recovered_Sheet2

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
Balance at Beginning of Year	$312	$406	$421
Provisions/Charges to Income	220	163	343
Amounts Charged Off and Other Deductions	-222	-257	-358
Balance at End of Year	310	312	406
AbbVie
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
Amounts Charged Off and Other Deductions		($178)