Abbott Laboratories (ABT) 10-K 16 Feb 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	ABBOTT LABORATORIES
Entity Central Index Key	1,800
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 82,269,220,045
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,746,333,892
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated Statement of Earni

Consolidated Statement of Earnings - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statement of Earnings
Net Sales	$ 27,390	$ 20,853	$ 20,405
Cost of products sold, excluding amortization of intangible assets	12,337	9,024	8,747
Amortization of intangible assets	1,975	550	601
Research and development	2,235	1,422	1,405
Selling, general and administrative	9,117	6,672	6,785
Total Operating Cost and Expenses	25,664	17,668	17,538
Operating Earnings	1,726	3,185	2,867
Interest expense	904	431	163
Interest income	(124)	(99)	(105)
Net foreign exchange (gain) loss	(34)	495	(93)
Other (income) expense, net	(1,251)	945	(281)
Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Taxes	2,231	1,413	3,183
Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations	1,878	350	577
Earnings from Continuing Operations	353	1,063	2,606
Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes	124	321	65
Gain on sale of Discontinued Operations, net of taxes		16	1,752
Net Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes	124	337	1,817
Net Earnings	$ 477	$ 1,400	$ 4,423
Basic Earnings Per Common Share --
Continuing Operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.71	$ 1.73
Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share)	0.07	0.23	1.21
Net Earnings (in dollars per share)	0.27	0.94	2.94
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share --
Continuing Operations (in dollars per share)	0.20	0.71	1.72
Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share)	0.07	0.23	1.20
Net Earnings (in dollars per share)	$ 0.27	$ 0.94	$ 2.92
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Used for Basic Earnings Per Common Share (in shares)	1,740	1,477	1,496
Dilutive Common Stock Options (in shares)	9	6	10
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Plus Dilutive Common Stock Options (in shares)	1,749	1,483	1,506
Outstanding Common Stock Options Having No Dilutive Effect (in shares)		5	1

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Net Earnings	$ (828)	$ 798	$ 477	$ 1,400	$ 4,423
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) adjustments			1,365	(130)	(2,013)
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 $(61) in 2017, $(125) in 2016 and $101 in 2015			(243)	(326)	252
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable equity securities, net of taxes of $(76) in 2017, $(28) in 2016 and $104 in 2015			64	(134)	64
Net (losses) gains on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $(43) in 2017, $(4) in 2016 and $(9) in 2015			(134)	(15)	(35)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			1,052	(605)	(1,732)
Comprehensive Income			1,529	795	2,691
Supplemental Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information, net of tax as of December 31:
Cumulative foreign currency translation (loss) adjustments	(3,452)	(4,959)	(3,452)	(4,959)	(4,829)
Net actuarial (losses) and prior service (cost) and credits	(2,521)	(2,284)	(2,521)	(2,284)	(1,958)
Cumulative unrealized (losses) gains on marketable equity securities	(5)	(69)	(5)	(69)	65
Cumulative (losses) gains on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	(84)	49	(84)	49	64
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (6,062)	$ (7,263)	$ (6,062)	$ (7,263)	$ (6,658)

Consolidated Statement of Comp4

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Net actuarial gains (losses) and prior service cost and credits and amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service cost and credits, taxes	$ (61)	$ (125)	$ 101
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable equity securities, taxes	(76)	(28)	104
Net (losses) gains on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, taxes	$ (43)	$ (4)	$ (9)

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash Flow From (Used in) Operating Activities:
Net earnings	$ 477	$ 1,400	$ 4,423
Adjustments to reconcile earnings to net cash from operating activities -
Depreciation	1,046	803	871
Amortization of intangible assets	1,975	550	601
Share-based compensation	406	310	292
Impact of currency devaluation		480
Amortization of inventory step-up	907
Investing and financing (gains) losses, net	47	86	(18)
Amortization of bridge financing fees	5	165
Gains on sale of businesses	(1,163)	(25)	(2,840)
Mylan N.V. equity investment adjustment		947
Gain on sale of Mylan N.V. shares	(45)		(207)
Trade receivables	(207)	(177)	(171)
Inventories	249	(98)	(257)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	109	113	57
Trade accounts payable and other liabilities	615	(652)	(742)
Income taxes	1,149	(699)	957
Net Cash From Operating Activities	5,570	3,203	2,966
Cash Flow From (Used in) Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of property and equipment	(1,135)	(1,121)	(1,110)
Acquisitions of businesses and technologies, net of cash acquired	(17,183)	(80)	(235)
Proceeds from business dispositions	6,042	25	230
Proceeds from the sale of Mylan N.V. shares	2,704		2,290
Purchases of investment securities	(210)	(2,823)	(4,933)
Proceeds from sales of investment securities	129	3,709	4,112
Other	35	42	52
Net Cash From (Used in) Investing Activities	(9,618)	(248)	406
Cash Flow From (Used in) Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of (repayments of) short-term debt and other	(1,034)	(1,767)	(1,281)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt and debt with maturities over 3 months	6,742	14,934	2,485
Repayments of long-term debt and debt with maturities over 3 months	(8,650)	(12)	(57)
Payment of bridge financing fees		(170)
Purchase of Alere preferred stock	(710)
Acquisition and contingent consideration payments related to business acquisitions	(13)	(25)	(17)
Purchases of common shares	(117)	(522)	(2,237)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	350	248	314
Dividends paid	(1,849)	(1,539)	(1,443)
Net Cash From (Used in) Financing Activities	(5,281)	11,147	(2,236)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	116	(483)	(198)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(9,213)	13,619	938
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year	18,620	5,001	4,063
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year	9,407	18,620	5,001
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Income taxes paid	570	620	631
Interest paid	$ 917	$ 181	$ 166

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 9,407	$ 18,620
Investments, primarily bank time deposits and U.S. treasury bills	203	155
Trade receivables, less allowances of - 2017: $294; 2016: $250	5,249	3,248
Inventories:
Finished products	2,339	1,624
Work in process	472	294
Materials	790	516
Total inventories	3,601	2,434
Other prepaid expenses and receivables	1,667	1,806
Current assets held for disposition	20	513
Total Current Assets	20,147	26,776
Investments	883	2,947
Property and Equipment, at Cost:
Land	526	408
Buildings	3,613	2,602
Equipment	10,394	8,394
Construction in progress	732	962
Property and Equipment, at cost	15,265	12,366
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	7,658	6,661
Net Property and Equipment	7,607	5,705
Intangible Assets, net of amortization	21,473	4,539
Goodwill	24,020	7,683
Deferred Income Taxes and Other Assets	1,944	2,263
Non-current Assets Held for Disposition	176	2,753
Total Assets	76,250	52,666
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	206	1,322
Trade accounts payable	2,402	1,178
Salaries, wages and commissions	1,187	752
Other accrued liabilities	3,811	2,581
Dividends payable	489	391
Income taxes payable	309	188
Current portion of long-term debt	508	3
Current liabilities held for disposition		245
Total Current Liabilities	8,912	6,660
Long-term debt	27,210	20,681
Post-employment obligations and other long-term liabilities	9,030	4,549
Non-current liabilities held for disposition		59
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: 2017: 1,965,908,188; 2016: 1,707,475,455	23,206	13,027
Common shares held in treasury, at cost - Shares: 2017: 222,305,719; 2016: 234,606,250	(10,225)	(10,791)
Earnings employed in the business	23,978	25,565
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,062)	(7,263)
Total Abbott Shareholders' Investment	30,897	20,538
Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries	201	179
Total Shareholders' Investment	31,098	20,717
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment	$ 76,250	$ 52,666

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Trade receivables, allowances (in dollars)	$ 294	$ 250
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	1,965,908,188	1,707,475,455
Common shares held in treasury, shares	222,305,719	234,606,250

Consolidated Statement of Share

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Investment - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning of Year		$ 20,717			$ 20,717
Net Earnings	$ (828)	419	$ 798	$ 316	477	$ 1,400	$ 4,423
Other comprehensive income (loss)					1,052	(605)	(1,732)
End of Year	31,098		20,717		31,098	20,717
Common Shares:
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning of Year		13,027		12,734	13,027	12,734	12,383
Issued under incentive stock programs					242	222	289
Issued for St. Jude Medical acquisition					9,835
Share-based compensation					406	311	292
Issuance of restricted stock awards					(304)	(240)	(230)
End of Year	23,206		13,027		23,206	13,027	12,734
Common Shares Held in Treasury:
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning of Year		(10,791)		(10,622)	(10,791)	(10,622)	(8,678)
Issued under incentive stock programs					400	250	250
Issued for St. Jude Medical acquisition					180
Purchased					(14)	(419)	(2,194)
End of Year	(10,225)		(10,791)		(10,225)	(10,791)	(10,622)
Earnings Employed in the Business:
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning of Year		25,565		25,757	25,565	25,757	22,874
Net Earnings					477	1,400	4,423
Cash dividends declared on common shares (per share - 2017: $1.075; 2016: $1.045; 2015: $0.98)					(1,947)	(1,547)	(1,464)
Effect of common and treasury share transactions					(117)	(45)	(76)
End of Year	23,978		25,565		23,978	25,565	25,757
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning of Year		(7,263)		(6,658)	(7,263)	(6,658)	(5,053)
Business dispositions / separation					149		127
Other comprehensive income (loss)					1,052	(605)	(1,732)
End of Year	(6,062)		(7,263)		(6,062)	(7,263)	(6,658)
Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries:
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning of Year		$ 179		$ 115	179	115	113
Noncontrolling Interests' share of income, business combinations, net of distributions and share repurchases					22	64	2
End of Year	$ 201		$ 179		$ 201	$ 179	$ 115

Consolidated Statement of Shar9

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Investment (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Common Shares:
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning of Year (in shares)	1,707,475,455	1,702,017,390	1,694,929,949
Issued under incentive stock programs (in shares)	8,834,924	5,458,065	7,087,441
Issued for St. Jude Medical acquisition (in shares)	249,597,809
End of Year (in shares)	1,965,908,188	1,707,475,455	1,702,017,390
Common Shares Held in Treasury:
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Beginning of Year (in shares)	234,606,250	229,352,338	186,894,515
Issued under incentive stock programs (in shares)	8,696,320	5,398,469	5,381,586
Issued for St. Jude Medical acquisition (in shares)	3,906,848
Purchased (in shares)	302,637	10,652,381	47,839,409
End of Year (in shares)	222,305,719	234,606,250	229,352,338
Earnings Employed in the Business:
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment
Cash dividends declared on common shares (in dollars per share)	$ 1.075	$ 1.045	$ 0.98

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 — In September 2016, Abbott announced that it had entered into an agreement to sell Abbott Medical Optics (AMO), its vision care business, to Johnson & Johnson. The transaction closed in February 2017. The operating results of AMO up to the date of sale were reported as part of continuing operations as AMO did not qualify for reporting as a discontinued operation. The assets and liabilities of AMO are reported as held for disposition in Abbott's Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2016. On February 27, 2015, Abbott completed the sale of its developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business to Mylan Inc. (Mylan) for equity ownership of a newly formed entity that combined Mylan's existing business and Abbott's developed markets pharmaceuticals business. On February 10, 2015, Abbott completed the sale of its animal health business to Zoetis Inc. The historical operating results of these two businesses up to the date of sale are excluded from Earnings from Continuing Operations and are presented on the Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes line in Abbott's Consolidated Statement of Earnings. The cash flows of these businesses are included in Abbott's Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows up to the date of disposition. See Note 2 — 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 consolidated 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 on the Net foreign exchange (gain) loss line of the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. 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, prior to its divestiture, 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 (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 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. The standard becomes effective for Abbott in the first quarter of 2018. Abbott's revenues are primarily comprised of product sales. Abbott completed a thorough evaluation of the new standard including a detailed review of Abbott's revenue streams and contracts. Abbott does not expect the adoption of the new standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. Abbott will use the modified retrospective method to adopt this standard. 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. No additional income taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the transition tax related to the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or any additional outside basis differences that exist, as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. Interest and penalties on income tax obligations are included in taxes on income. EARNINGS PER SHARE — Unvested restricted stock units and awards 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 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $346 million, $1.057 billion and $2.595 billion, respectively. Net earnings allocated to common shares in 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $468 million, $1.393 billion and $4.403 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 are reviewed for impairment on a quarterly basis. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION — The fair 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. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . ASU 2016-09 modifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes and classification on the statement of cash flows. Abbott adopted the standard in the first quarter of 2017 and the following changes were made to the presentation of Abbott's financial statements: • All excess tax benefits or tax deficiencies are now recognized as income tax benefit or expense as applicable. Previously, Abbott recorded the benefits to Shareholders' Investment. The tax benefit recorded in Abbott's Consolidated Statement of Earnings for 2017 was $120 million. The standard does not permit retrospective presentation of this benefit in prior years. • The tax benefit or deficiency is required to be classified as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows. Previously, it was required to be classified within financing activities. Abbott has adopted this standard on a prospective basis and has not revised the classification of the excess tax benefit in the prior year's Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. 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, U.S. government securities money market funds and U.S. treasury bills with original maturities of three months or less. Abbott holds certain investments with a carrying value of approximately $235 million that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Investments held in a rabbi trust are accounted for as trading securities. 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. 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. 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.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Discontinued Operations
Discontinued Operations	Note 2 — Discontinued Operations On February 27, 2015, Abbott completed the sale of its developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business to Mylan Inc. (Mylan) for 110 million ordinary shares (or approximately 22%) of a newly formed entity (Mylan N.V.) that combined Mylan's existing business and Abbott's developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business. Mylan N.V. is publicly traded. Historically, this business was included in Abbott's Established Pharmaceutical Products segment. Abbott retained its branded generics pharmaceuticals business in emerging markets. At the date of closing, the 110 million Mylan N.V. ordinary shares that Abbott received were valued at $5.77 billion and Abbott recorded an after-tax gain on the sale of the business of approximately $1.6 billion. The shareholder agreement with Mylan N.V. includes voting and other restrictions that prevent Abbott from exercising significant influence over the operating and financial policies of Mylan N.V. At the close of this transaction Abbott and Mylan entered into a transition services agreement pursuant to which Abbott and Mylan provided various back office support services to each other on an interim transitional basis for up to 2 years. Certain services were extended for an additional five to ten months. Charges by Abbott under this transition services agreement were recorded as a reduction of the costs to provide the respective service in the applicable expense category in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. This transition support did not constitute significant continuing involvement in 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 transition services and manufacturing supply agreements are not expected to be significant, and therefore, these cash flows are not direct cash flows of the disposed component under Accounting Standards Codification 205. In April 2015, Abbott sold 40.25 million of the 110 million ordinary shares of Mylan N.V. received in the sale of the developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business to Mylan. Abbott recorded a pretax gain of $207 million on $2.29 billion in net proceeds from the sale of these shares. The gain is recognized in the Other (income) expense line of the 2015 Consolidated Statement of Earnings. As a result of this sale, Abbott's ownership interest in Mylan N.V. decreased to approximately 14%. In 2017, Abbott sold 69.75 million ordinary shares of Mylan N.V. and received $2.704 billion in proceeds. Abbott recorded a $45 million gain from the sale of these ordinary shares in 2017, which was recognized in the Other (income) expense, net line of the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Abbott no longer has an ownership interest in Mylan N.V. On February 10, 2015, Abbott completed the sale of its animal health business to Zoetis Inc. Abbott received cash proceeds of $230 million and reported an after tax gain on the sale of approximately $130 million. In the first quarter of 2016, Abbott received an additional $25 million of proceeds due to the expiration of a holdback agreement associated with the sale of this business and reported an after-tax gain of $16 million. As a result of the disposition of the above businesses, the operating results of these businesses up to the date of sale are reported as part of discontinued operations on the Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes 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. 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 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. The operating results of Abbott's developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses, as well as the income tax benefit related to the businesses transferred to AbbVie, which are being reported as discontinued operations are as follows: Year Ended (in millions) 2017 2016 2015 Net Sales Developed markets generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses $ — $ — $ AbbVie — — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ — $ — $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Earnings (Loss) Before Tax Developed markets generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses $ $ ) $ AbbVie — — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ ) $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net Earnings Developed markets generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses $ $ $ AbbVie ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The net earnings of discontinued operations include income tax benefits of $109 million in 2017, $325 million in 2016 and $52 million in 2015. The tax benefits in 2017 and 2016 primarily relate to the resolution of various tax positions related to AbbVie's operations for years prior to the separation. 2015 includes $48 million of tax benefits related to the resolution of various tax positions related to prior years. The sale of the developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals and animal health business in 2015 resulted in the recognition of a pretax gain of $2.840 billion, tax expense of $1.088 billion and an after tax gain of $1.752 billion. The 2015 tax provision included $667 million of tax expense on certain prior year income earned outside the U.S. related to the developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals businesses that were not designated as permanently reinvested overseas.

Assets and Liabilities Held for

Assets and Liabilities Held for Disposition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets and Liabilities Held for Disposition
Assets and Liabilities Held for Disposition	Note 3 — Assets and Liabilities Held for Disposition In September 2016, Abbott announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to sell Abbott Medical Optics (AMO), its vision care business, to Johnson & Johnson for $4.325 billion in cash, subject to customary purchase price adjustments for cash, debt and working capital. The decision to sell AMO reflected Abbott's proactive shaping of its portfolio in line with its strategic priorities. In February 2017, Abbott completed the sale of AMO to Johnson & Johnson and recognized a pre-tax gain of $1.163 billion including working capital adjustments, which was reported in the Other (income) expense, net line of the Consolidated Statement of Earnings in 2017. Abbott recorded an after-tax gain of $728 million in 2017 related to the sale of AMO. The operating results of AMO up to the date of sale continued to be included in Earnings from continuing operations as the business did not qualify for reporting as discontinued operations. For 2017, 2016 and 2015, the AMO earnings (losses) before taxes included in Abbott's consolidated earnings were $(18) million, $30 million and $64 million, respectively. Assets and liabilities of AMO were classified as held for disposition in Abbott's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016. As discussed in Note 6 — Business Acquisitions, in conjunction with the acquisition of Alere Inc. (Alere), Abbott sold the Triage MeterPro cardiovascular and toxicology business and the assets and liabilities related to its B-type Natriuretic Peptide assay business run on Beckman Coulter analyzers to Quidel Corporation (Quidel). The legal transfer of certain assets and liabilities related to these businesses did not occur at the close of the sale to Quidel due to, among other factors, the time required to transfer marketing authorizations and other regulatory requirements in various countries. Under the terms of the sale agreement with Abbott, Quidel is subject to the risks and entitled to the benefits generated by these operations and assets. The assets and liabilities presented as held for disposition in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017, primarily relate to the businesses sold to Quidel. The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities held for disposition as of December 31, 2017 and 2016: (in millions) December 31, December 31, Trade receivables, net $ $ Total inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Current assets held for disposition ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net property and equipment Intangible assets, net of amortization Goodwill Deferred income taxes and other assets — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Non-current assets held for disposition ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total assets held for disposition $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Trade accounts payable $ — $ Salaries, wages, commissions and other accrued liabilities — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Current liabilities held for disposition — Post-employment obligations, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total liabilities held for disposition $ — $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Supplemental Financial Informat

Supplemental Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Financial Information
Supplemental Financial Information	Note 4 — Supplemental Financial Information Other (income) expense, net, for 2017 includes a pre-tax gain of $1.163 billion related to the sale of AMO to Jonhson & Johnson. See Note 3 — Assets and Liabilities Held for Disposition for further details. Other (income) expense, net, for 2016 includes expense of $947 million to adjust Abbott's holding of Mylan N.V. ordinary shares due to a decline in the fair value of the securities which was considered by Abbott to be other than temporary. Other (income) expense, net, for 2015 primarily relates to a $207 million gain on the sale of a portion of Abbott's position in Mylan N.V. stock and $79 million of income resulting from a decrease in the fair value of contingent consideration related to a business acquisition. The detail of various balance sheet components is as follows: 2017 2016 (in millions) Long-term Investments: Equity securities $ $ Other ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The decrease in long-term investments relates to the sale in 2017 of the remaining ordinary shares of Mylan N.V. that Abbott held. Abbott sold 69.75 million ordinary shares of Mylan N.V. and received $2.704 billion in proceeds. Abbott recorded a $45 million pre-tax gain in 2017 related to the sale of these ordinary shares, which was recognized in the Other (income) expense, net line of the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. As of December 31, 2017, Abbott no longer has an ownership interest in Mylan N.V. Abbott's equity securities as of December 31, 2017, include $363 million of investments in mutual funds that are held in a rabbi trust and were acquired as part of the St. Jude Medical, Inc. (St. Jude Medical) business acquisition. These investments, which are specifically designated as available for the purpose of paying benefits under a deferred compensation plan, are not available for general corporate purposes and are subject to creditor claims in the event of insolvency. 2017 2016 (in millions) Other Accrued Liabilities: Accrued rebates payable to government agencies $ $ Accrued other rebates (a) All other ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (a) Accrued wholesaler chargeback rebates of $178 million and $214 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, 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. 2017 2016 (in millions) Post-employment Obligations and Other Long-term Liabilities: Defined benefit pension plans and post-employment medical and dental plans for significant plans $ $ Deferred income taxes All other (b) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (b) 2017 includes approximately $835 million of net unrecognized tax benefits, as well as approximately $100 million of acquisition consideration payable. 2016 includes approximately $560 million of net unrecognized tax benefits, as well as approximately $130 million of acquisition consideration payable. Since January 2010, Venezuela has been designated as a highly inflationary economy under U.S. GAAP. In 2014 and 2015, the government of Venezuela operated multiple mechanisms to exchange bolivars into U.S. dollars. These mechanisms included the CENCOEX, SICAD, and SIMADI rates, which stood at 6.3, 13.5, and approximately 200, respectively, at December 31, 2015. In 2015, Abbott continued to use the CENCOEX 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. On February 17, 2016, the Venezuelan government announced that the three-tier exchange rate system would be reduced to two rates renamed the DIPRO and DICOM rates. The DIPRO rate is the official rate for food and medicine imports and was adjusted from 6.3 to 10 bolivars per U.S. dollar. The DICOM rate is a floating market rate published daily by the Venezuelan central bank, which at the end of the first quarter of 2016 was approximately 263 bolivars per U.S. dollar. As a result of decreasing government approvals to convert bolivars to U.S. dollars to pay for intercompany accounts, as well as the accelerating deterioration of economic conditions in the country, Abbott concluded that it was appropriate to move to the DICOM rate at the end of the first quarter of 2016. As a result, Abbott recorded a foreign currency exchange loss of $480 million in 2016 to revalue its net monetary assets in Venezuela. Abbott is continuing to use the DICOM rate to report the results of operations and to remeasure net monetary assets for Venezuela at the end of each quarter. As of December 31, 2017, Abbott's investment in its Venezuelan operations was not significant. As a result, any additional future foreign currency losses related to Venezuela would not be material.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Note 5 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The components of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes, are as follows: ( in millions ) Cumulative Net Cumulative Cumulative Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ ) $ ) $ $ $ ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications ) ) ) ) (Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (a) — ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) ) ) ) ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Balance at December 31, 2016 ) ) ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Impact of business dispositions — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications ) ) (Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (a) — ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Balance at December 31, 2017 $ ) $ ) $ ) $ ) $ ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (a) Reclassified amounts for foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings as Net Foreign exchange (gain) loss; gains (losses) 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, 2017
Business Acquisitions
Business Acquisitions	Note 6 — Business Acquisitions On January 4, 2017, Abbott completed the acquisition of St. Jude Medical, a global medical device manufacturer, for approximately $23.6 billion, including approximately $13.6 billion in cash and approximately $10 billion in Abbott common shares, which represented approximately 254 million shares of Abbott common stock, based on Abbott's closing stock price on the acquisition date. As part of the acquisition, approximately $5.9 billion of St. Jude Medical's debt was assumed, repaid or refinanced by Abbott. The acquisition provides expanded opportunities for future growth and is an important part of the company's ongoing effort to develop a strong, diverse portfolio of devices, diagnostics, nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals. The combined business competes in nearly every area of the cardiovascular device market, as well as in the neuromodulation market. Under the terms of the agreement, for each St. Jude Medical common share, St. Jude Medical shareholders received $46.75 in cash and 0.8708 of an Abbott common share. At an Abbott stock price of $39.36, which reflects the closing price on January 4, 2017, this represented a value of approximately $81 per St. Jude Medical common share and total purchase consideration of $23.6 billion. The cash portion of the acquisition was funded through a combination of medium and long-term debt issued in November 2016 and a $2.0 billion 120-day senior unsecured bridge term loan facility which was subsequently repaid. The final allocation of the fair value of the St. Jude Medical acquisition is shown in the table below. (in billions) Acquired intangible assets, non-deductible $ Goodwill, non-deductible Acquired net tangible assets Deferred income taxes recorded at acquisition ) Net debt ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total final allocation of fair value $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The goodwill is primarily attributable to expected synergies from combining operations, as well as intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. The goodwill is identifiable to the Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products reportable segment. The acquired tangible assets consist primarily of trade accounts receivable of approximately $1.1 billion, inventory of approximately $1.7 billion, other current assets of $176 million, property and equipment of approximately $1.5 billion, and other long-term assets of approximately $455 million. The acquired tangible liabilities consist of trade accounts payable and other current liabilities of approximately $1.1 billion and other non-current liabilities of approximately $870 million. In 2016, Abbott and St. Jude Medical agreed to sell certain businesses to Terumo Corporation (Terumo) for approximately $1.12 billion. The sale included the St. Jude Medical Angio-Seal™ and Femoseal™ vascular closure and Abbott's Vado® Steerable Sheath businesses. The sale closed on January 20, 2017 and no gain or loss was recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. On October 3, 2017, Abbott acquired Alere Inc. (Alere), a diagnostic device and service provider, for $51.00 per common share in cash, which equated to a purchase price of approximately $4.5 billion. As part of the acquisition, Abbott tendered for Alere's preferred shares for a total value of approximately $0.7 billion. In addition, approximately $3.0 billion of Alere's debt was assumed and subsequently repaid. The acquisition establishes Abbott as a leader in point of care testing, expands Abbott's global diagnostics presence and provides access to new products, channels and geographies. Abbott utilized a combination of cash on hand and debt to fund the acquisition. See Note 10 — Debt and Lines of Credit for further details regarding the debt utilized for the acquisition. The preliminary allocation of the fair value of the Alere acquisition is shown in the table below. The allocation of the fair value of the acquisition will be finalized when the valuation is completed and differences between the preliminary and final allocation could be material. (in billions) Acquired intangible assets, non-deductible $ Goodwill, non-deductible Acquired net tangible assets Deferred income taxes recorded at acquisition ) Net debt ) Preferred stock ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total preliminary allocation of fair value $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The goodwill is primarily attributable to expected synergies from combining operations, as well as intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. The goodwill is identifiable to the Diagnostic Products reportable segment. The acquired tangible assets consist primarily of trade accounts receivable of approximately $430 million, inventory of approximately $425 million, other current assets of $206 million, property and equipment of approximately $540 million, and other long-term assets of $112 million. The acquired tangible liabilities consist of trade accounts payable and other current liabilities of approximately $625 million and other non-current liabilities of approximately $160 million. In the third quarter of 2017, Alere entered into agreements to sell its Triage MeterPro cardiovascular and toxicology business and the assets and liabilities related to its B-type Natriuretic Peptide assay business run on Beckman Coulter analyzers to Quidel Corporation (Quidel). The transactions with Quidel reflect a total purchase price of $400 million payable at the close of the transaction, $240 million payable in six annual installments beginning approximately six months after the close of the transaction, and contingent consideration with a maximum value of $40 million. In the third quarter of 2017, Alere entered into an agreement with Siemens Diagnostics Holding II B.V. (Siemens) to sell its subsidiary, Epocal Inc., for approximately $200 million payable at the close of the transaction. Alere agreed to divest these businesses in connection with the review by the Federal Trade Commission and the European Commission of Abbott's agreement to acquire Alere. The sale to Quidel closed on October 6, 2017, and the sale to Siemens closed on October 31, 2017. No gain or loss on these sales was recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. In 2017, consolidated Abbott results include $6.5 billion of sales and a pre-tax loss of approximately $1.3 billion related to the St. Jude Medical and Alere acquisitions, including approximately $1.5 billion of intangible amortization and $907 million of inventory step-up amortization. The pre-tax loss excludes acquisition, integration and restructuring-related costs. If the acquisitions of St. Jude Medical and Alere had occurred at the beginning of 2016, unaudited pro forma consolidated net sales would have been approximately $28.9 billion and the unaudited pro forma consolidated net loss from continuing operations would have been approximately $485 million in 2016. This includes amortization of approximately $940 million of inventory step-up and $1.7 billion of intangibles related to St. Jude Medical and Alere. For 2017, unaudited pro forma consolidated net sales would have been approximately $28.9 billion and unaudited pro forma consolidated net earnings from continuing operations would have been approximately $750 million, which includes $225 million of intangible amortization related to Alere. The unaudited pro forma consolidated net earnings from continuing operations for 2017 exclude inventory step-up amortization related to St. Jude Medical and Alere of approximately $907 million which was recorded in 2017 but included in the 2016 unaudited pro forma results as noted above. The unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations that would have been realized had the St. Jude Medical and Alere acquisitions been completed as of the beginning of 2016, nor is it meant to be indicative of future results of operations that the combined entity will experience. On July 17, 2017, Abbott commenced a tender offer to purchase for cash the 1.77 million outstanding shares of Alere's Series B Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock at a price of $402 per share, plus accrued but unpaid dividends to, but not including, the settlement date of the tender offer. This tender offer was subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including Abbott's acquisition of Alere and upon there being validly tendered (and not properly withdrawn) at the expiration date of the tender offer that number of shares of Preferred Stock that equaled at least a majority of the Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at the expiration of the tender offer. The tender offer expired on October 3, 2017. All conditions to the offer were satisfied and Abbott accepted for payment the 1.748 million shares of Preferred Stock that were validly tendered (and not properly withdrawn). The remaining shares were cashed out for an amount equal to the $400.00 per share liquidation preference of such shares, plus accrued but unpaid dividends, without interest. Payment for all of the shares of Preferred Stock was made in the fourth quarter of 2017. In August 2015, Abbott completed the acquisition of the equity of Tendyne Holdings, Inc. (Tendyne) that Abbott did not already own for approximately $225 million in cash plus additional payments up to $150 million to be made upon completion of certain regulatory milestones. The acquisition of Tendyne, which is focused on developing minimally invasive mitral valve replacement therapies, allows Abbott to broaden its foundation in the treatment of mitral valve disease. The final allocation of the fair value of the acquisition resulted in non-deductible acquired in-process research and development of approximately $220 million, which is accounted for as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until regulatory approval or discontinuation, non-deductible goodwill of approximately $142 million, deferred tax assets and other net assets of approximately $18 million, deferred tax liabilities of approximately $85 million, and contingent consideration of approximately $70 million. The goodwill is identifiable to the Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products segment. If the acquisition of Tendyne had taken place as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period, consolidated net sales and earnings would not have been significantly different from reported amounts.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Note 7 — Goodwill and Intangible Assets The total amount of goodwill reported was $24.0 billion at December 31, 2017 and $7.7 billion at December 31, 2016. The amounts reported at December 31, 2017 and 2016 exclude goodwill reported in non-current assets held for disposition. In 2017, approximately $2.0 billion of goodwill was included as part of the net assets sold in the AMO divestiture. Goodwill increased by $17.2 billion in 2017 due to the completion of the St. Jude Medical and Alere acquisitions, partially offset by a decrease of $1.5 billion due to the sale of certain businesses to Terumo, Quidel and Siemens. Foreign currency translation increased goodwill by $653 million in 2017 and decreased goodwill by $66 million in 2016. Business acquisitions increased goodwill by approximately $79 million during 2016. The amount of goodwill related to reportable segments at December 31, 2017 was $3.2 billion for the Established Pharmaceutical Products segment, $286 million for the Nutritional Products segment, $4.1 billion for the Diagnostic Products segment, and $15.5 billion for the Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products segment. The Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products segment includes the amount previously reported under Abbott's Vascular Products segment, as well as the goodwill related to the St. Jude Medical acquisition. In 2017, there was no significant reduction of goodwill relating to impairments. The gross amount of amortizable intangible assets, primarily product rights and technology was $25.6 billion and $10.4 billion as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and accumulated amortization was $8.1 billion and $6.2 billion as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The December 31, 2016 amounts exclude net intangible assets reported in non-current assets held for disposition. As part of the sale of AMO in 2017, approximately $529 million of net intangible assets were included in the net assets sold. In 2017, the gross amount of amortizable intangible assets increased by approximately $14.5 billion due to the completion of the St. Jude Medical and Alere acquisitions, partially offset by a decrease of $210 million due to the sale of certain businesses to Quidel and Siemens. In 2016, intangible assets increased by approximately $104 million related to business acquisitions. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which relate to in-process research and development acquired in a business combination, were approximately $3.9 billion and $349 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In 2017, in-process research and development increased by $4.5 billion due to the completion of the St. Jude Medical and Alere acquisitions, a portion of which became amortizable during the year. In 2017, Abbott also recorded a $53 million impairment of an in-process research and development project related to the Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products segment. In 2016, Abbott recorded an impairment of a $59 million in-process research and development project related to a non-reportable segment. Foreign currency translation increased intangible assets by $227 million in 2017 and $6 million in 2016. The estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets recorded at December 31, 2017 is approximately $2.4 billion in 2018, $2.3 billion in 2019, $2.1 billion in 2020, $2.0 billion in 2021 and $2.0 billion in 2022. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized over 2 to 20 years (average 14 years).

Restructuring Plans

Restructuring Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Plans
Restructuring Plans	Note 8 — Restructuring Plans In 2017, Abbott management approved restructuring plans as part of the integration of the acquisitions of St. Jude Medical into the cardiovascular and neuromodulation segment and Alere into the diagnostics segment, in order to leverage economies of scale and reduce costs. In 2017, charges of approximately $187 million, including one-time employee termination benefits were recorded, of which approximately $5 million is recorded in Cost of products sold and approximately $182 million in Selling, general and administrative expense. Abbott also assumed restructuring liabilities of approximately $23 million as part of the St. Jude Medical and Alere acquisitions. The following summarizes the activity in 2017 related to these actions and the status of the related accrual as of December 31, 2017: (in millions) Liabilities assumed as part of business acquisitions $ Restructuring charges Payments and other adjustments ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Accrued balance at December 31, 2017 $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ From 2014 to 2017, Abbott management approved plans to streamline operations in order to reduce costs and improve efficiencies in various Abbott businesses including the nutritional, established pharmaceuticals and vascular businesses. Abbott recorded employee related severance and other charges of approximately $120 million in 2017, $33 million in 2016, and $95 million in 2015. Approximately $7 million in 2017, $9 million in 2016 and $18 million in 2015 are recorded in Cost of products sold, approximately $77 million in 2017, $5 million in 2016 and $34 million in 2015 are recorded in Research and development and approximately $36 million in 2017, $19 million in 2016 and $43 million in 2015 are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense. Additional charges of approximately $2 million in 2017, $2 million in 2016 and $45 million in 2015 were recorded primarily for accelerated depreciation. The following summarizes the activity for these restructurings: (in millions) Restructuring charges recorded in 2014 $ Payments and other adjustments ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Accrued balance at December 31, 2014 Restructuring charges Payments and other adjustments ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Accrued balance at December 31, 2015 Restructuring charges Payments and other adjustments ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Accrued balance at December 31, 2016 Restructuring charges Payments and other adjustments ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Accrued balance at December 31, 2017 $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Incentive Stock Program

Incentive Stock Program	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Incentive Stock Program
Incentive Stock Program	Note 9 — Incentive Stock Program In connection with the completion of the St. Jude Medical acquisition in the first quarter of 2017, unvested St. Jude Medical stock options and restricted stock units were assumed by Abbott and converted into Abbott options and restricted stock units (as applicable) of substantially equivalent value, in accordance with the merger agreement. The number of shares underlying the converted options was 7,364,571 at a weighted average exercise price of $30.50. The number of restricted stock units converted was 2,324,500 at a weighted average grant date fair value of $37.69. The 2017 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 2017, Abbott granted 4,985,970 stock options, 580,203 restricted stock awards and 7,687,009 restricted stock units under this program. Under Abbott's stock incentive programs, 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, which may be shorter than the vesting period if an employee is retirement eligible. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant. 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 April 2017, Abbott's shareholders authorized the 2017 Incentive Stock Program under which a maximum of 170 million shares were available for issuance. At December 31, 2017, approximately 169 million shares remained available for future issuance. The number of restricted stock awards and units outstanding and the weighted-average grant-date fair value at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was 15,518,719 and $42.82 and 13,705,511 and $41.03, respectively. The number of restricted stock awards and units, and the weighted-average grant-date fair value, that were granted, converted, vested and lapsed during 2017 were 8,267,212 and $45.20, 2,324,500 and $37.69, 7,553,969 and $40.77 and 1,224,535 and $41.76, respectively. The fair market value of restricted stock awards and units vested in 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $348 million, $225 million and $312 million, respectively. Options Outstanding Exercisable Options Shares Weighted Weighted Shares Weighted Weighted December 31, 2016 $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Granted Converted for St. Jude Medical Exercised ) Lapsed ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, 2017 $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2017 were each $500 million. The total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $233 million, $98 million and $167 million, respectively. The total unrecognized compensation cost related to all share-based compensation plans at December 31, 2017 amounted to approximately $291 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 2017, 2016 and 2015 for share-based plans totaled approximately $406 million, $310 million and $291 million, respectively, and the tax benefit recognized was approximately $242 million, $100 million and $98 million, respectively. The increase in the 2017 tax benefit primarily relates to the $120 million of tax benefit recorded in income after the adoption of ASU 2016-09. Stock compensation cost capitalized as part of inventory is not significant. The fair value of an option granted in 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $6.54, $4.38, and $6.67, respectively. The fair value of an option grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: 2017 2016 2015 Risk-free interest rate % % % Average life of options (years) Volatility % % % Dividend yield % % % 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, 2017
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 ) 2017 2016 5.125% Notes, due 2019 $ $ 2.35% Notes, due 2019 2.50% Line of credit borrowing due 2019 — 2.80% Notes, due 2020 — 4.125% Notes, due 2020 2.00% Notes, due 2020 2.90% Notes, due 2021 2.55% Notes, due 2022 2.62% Term loan due 2022 — 3.25% Notes, due 2023 — 3.40% Notes, due 2023 3.875% Notes, due 2025 — 2.95% Notes, due 2025 3.75% Notes, due 2026 4.75% Notes, due 2036 6.15% Notes, due 2037 6.0% Notes, due 2039 5.3% Notes, due 2040 4.75% Notes, due 2043 — 4.90% Notes, due 2046 Unamortized debt issuance costs ) ) Other, including fair value adjustments relating to interest rate hedge contracts designated as fair value hedges ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total, net of current maturities Current maturities of long-term debt ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total carrying amount $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In the first quarter of 2017, as part of the acquisition of St. Jude Medical, Abbott's long-term debt increased due to the assumption of outstanding debt previously issued by St. Jude Medical. Abbott exchanged certain St. Jude Medical debt obligations with an aggregate principal amount of approximately $2.9 billion for debt issued by Abbott which consists of: Principal Amount 2.00% Senior Notes due 2018 $ 473.8 million 2.80% Senior Notes due 2020 $ 483.7 million 3.25% Senior Notes due 2023 $ 818.4 million 3.875% Senior Notes due 2025 $ 490.7 million 4.75% Senior Notes due 2043 $ 639.1 million Following this exchange, approximately $194.2 million of existing St. Jude Medical notes remain outstanding across the five series of existing notes which have the same coupons and maturities as those listed above. There were no significant costs associated with the exchange of debt. In addition, during the first quarter of 2017, Abbott assumed and subsequently repaid approximately $2.8 billion of various St. Jude Medical debt obligations. On January 4, 2017, as part of funding the cash portion of the St. Jude Medical acquisition, Abbott borrowed $2.0 billion under a 120-day senior unsecured bridge term loan facility. This facility was repaid during the first quarter of 2017. In 2017, Abbott issued 364-day yen-denominated debt, of which $195 million was outstanding at December 31, 2017. Abbott also paid off a $479 million yen-denominated short-term borrowing during the year. On July 31, 2017, Abbott entered into a 5-year term loan agreement that allowed Abbott to borrow up to $2.8 billion on an unsecured basis for the acquisition of Alere. On October 3, 2017, Abbott borrowed $2.8 billion under this term loan agreement to finance the acquisition of Alere, to repay certain indebtedness of Abbott and Alere, and to pay fees and expenses in connection with the acquisition. Borrowings under the term loan bore interest based on a Eurodollar rate, plus an applicable margin based on Abbott's credit ratings. Abbott paid off this term loan on January 5, 2018. On October 3, 2017 Abbott borrowed $1.7 billion under its lines of credit. Proceeds from such borrowing were used to finance the acquisition of Alere, to repay certain indebtedness of Abbott and Alere, and to pay fees and expenses in connection with the acquisition. These lines of credit are part of a 2014 revolving credit agreement that provides Abbott with the ability to borrow up to $5 billion on an unsecured basis. Advances under the revolving credit agreement, including the $1.7 billion borrowing in October 2017, will mature and be payable on July 10, 2019. The $1.7 billion borrowing bore interest based on a Eurodollar rate, plus an applicable margin based on Abbott's credit ratings. Prior to October 3, 2017, no amounts were previously drawn under the revolving credit agreement. In the fourth quarter of 2017, Abbott paid off $550 million on the revolving loan. Abbott paid off the remaining balance on this revolving loan on January 5, 2018. In the fourth quarter of 2017, in conjunction with the acquisition of Alere, Abbott assumed and subsequently repaid $3.0 billion of Alere's debt. In November 2016, Abbott issued $15.1 billion of medium and long-term debt to primarily fund the cash portion of the acquisition of St. Jude Medical. Abbott issued $2.85 billion of 2.35% Senior Notes due November 22, 2019; $2.85 billion of 2.90% Senior Notes due November 30, 2021; $1.50 billion of 3.40% Senior Notes due November 30, 2023; $3.00 billion of 3.75% Senior Notes due November 30, 2026; $1.65 billion of 4.75% Senior Notes due November 30, 2036; and $3.25 billion of 4.90% Senior Notes due November 30, 2046. In November 2016, Abbott also entered into interest rate swap contracts totaling $3.0 billion related to the new debt, which have the effect of changing Abbott's obligation from a fixed interest rate to a variable interest rate obligation on the related debt instruments. In March 2015, Abbott issued $2.5 billion of long-term debt consisting of $750 million of 2.00% Senior Notes due March 15, 2020; $750 million of 2.55% Senior Notes due March 15, 2022; and $1.0 billion of 2.95% Senior Notes due March 15, 2025. Proceeds from this debt were used to pay down short-term borrowings. Abbott also entered into interest rate swap contracts totaling $2.5 billion, of which $1.5 billion was unwound in 2017. These contracts have the effect of changing Abbott's obligation from a fixed interest rate to a variable interest rate obligation. Principal payments required on long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2017 are $508 million in 2018, $5.0 billion in 2019, $1.8 billion in 2020, $2.9 billion in 2021, $3.6 billion in 2022 and $14.3 billion in 2023 and thereafter. At December 31, 2017, Abbott's long-term debt rating was BBB by Standard & Poor's Corporation and Baa3 by Moody's Investors Service (Moody's). In February 2018, Moody's raised Abbott's rating to Baa2 with a positive outlook. Abbott has readily available financial resources, including lines of credit of $5.0 billion which expire in 2019 and that support commercial paper borrowing arrangements. Abbott's weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings was 0.3% at December 31, 2017, 0.6% at December 31, 2016 and 0.2% at December 31, 2015. In February 2016, Abbott obtained a commitment for a 364-day senior unsecured bridge term loan facility for an amount not to exceed $9 billion in conjunction with its pending acquisition of Alere. This commitment, which was automatically extended for up to 90 days on January 29, 2017, expired on April 30, 2017 and was not renewed since Abbott did not need this bridge facility to finance the Alere acquisition. The fees associated with the bridge facilities were recognized in interest expense.

Financial Instruments, Derivati

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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, with notional amounts totaling $3.3 billion at December 31, 2017, and $2.6 billion at December 31, 2016, 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. At December 31, 2016, $107 million of the notional amount related to AMO, a business that was divested in the first quarter of 2017. Accumulated gains and losses as of December 31, 2017 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 2017, 2016 and 2015. 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, 2017, 2016 and 2015, Abbott held notional amounts of $20.1 billion, $14.9 billion and $14.0 billion, respectively, of such foreign currency forward exchange contracts. At December 31, 2016, $1.2 billion of the contracts related to AMO, a business that was divested in the first quarter of 2017. In March 2017, Abbott repaid its $479 million foreign denominated short-term debt which was designated as a hedge of the net investment in a foreign subsidiary. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the value of this short-term debt was $454 million and $439 million, respectively, and changes in the fair value of the debt up through the date of repayment due to changes in exchange rates were recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Abbott is a party to interest rate hedge contracts totaling notional amounts of $4.0 billion at December 31, 2017, $5.5 billion at December 31, 2016 and $4.0 billion at December 31, 2015, to manage its exposure to changes in the fair value of fixed-rate debt. 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 2017, 2016 and 2015 for these hedges. In the second quarter of 2017, Abbott unwound approximately $1.5 billion in interest rate swaps relating to the 2.00% Note due in 2020 and the 2.55% Note due in 2022. The proceeds received were not significant. In December 2016, Abbott unwound approximately $1.5 billion in interest rate swaps relating to the 4.125% Note due in 2020 and the 5.125% Note due in 2019. As part of the unwinding, Abbott received approximately $55 million in cash, which was included in the Cash Flow From Financing Activities section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows in 2016. Gross unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale equity securities totaled $(5) million, $10 million and $171 million at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The following table summarizes the amounts and location of certain derivative financial instruments as of December 31: Fair Value — Assets Fair Value — Liabilities 2017 2016 Balance Sheet Caption 2017 2016 Balance Sheet Caption (in millions) Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges $ — $ Deferred income taxes and other assets $ $ Post-employment obligations and other long-term liabilities Foreign currency forward exchange contracts — Hedging instruments Other prepaid expenses and receivables Other accrued liabilities Others not designated as hedges Other prepaid expenses and receivables Other accrued liabilities Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary — — n/a — Short-term borrowings ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 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 certain other derivative financial instruments, as well as the amounts and location of income (expense) and gain (loss) reclassified into income. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not significant in 2017, 2016 and 2015 for these hedges. Gain (loss) Recognized in Income (expense) and Income Statement 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 (in millions) Foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges $ ) $ $ $ ) $ $ Cost of products sold Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary ) ) — — — n/a Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges n/a n/a n/a ) ) Interest expense Losses of $64 million, gains of $8 million and losses of $77 million were recognized in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to foreign currency forward exchange contracts not designated as hedges. These amounts are reported in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings on the Net foreign exchange (gain) loss line. 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. 2017 2016 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair (in millions) Long-term Investment Securities: Equity securities $ $ $ $ Other Total Long-term Debt ) ) ) ) Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts: Receivable position (Payable) position ) ) ) ) Interest Rate Hedge Contracts: Receivable position — — (Payable) position ) ) ) ) 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 (in millions) December 31, 2017: Equity securities $ $ $ — $ — Foreign currency forward exchange contracts — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Assets $ $ $ $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fair value of hedged long-term debt $ $ — $ $ — Interest rate swap financial instruments — — Foreign currency forward exchange contracts — — Contingent consideration related to business combinations — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Liabilities $ $ — $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, 2016: Equity securities $ $ $ — $ — Interest rate swap financial instruments — — Foreign currency forward exchange contracts — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Assets $ $ $ $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fair value of hedged long-term debt $ $ — $ $ — Interest rate swap financial instruments — — Foreign currency forward exchange contracts — — Contingent consideration related to business combinations — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Liabilities $ $ — $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The decrease in equity securities in 2017 was driven by the sale of the remaining Mylan N.V. ordinary shares held by Abbott. Abbott sold 69.75 million ordinary shares of Mylan N.V. in 2017 which had a value of approximately $2.7 billion. The fair value of the Mylan N.V. equity securities up through the date of sale was determined based on the value of the publicly-traded ordinary shares. The fair value of foreign currency forward exchange contracts is determined using a market approach, which utilizes values for comparable derivative instruments. 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 and other changes in fair value primarily resulting from changes in regulatory timelines. Contingent consideration relates to businesses acquired by Abbott. The maximum amount for certain contingent consideration is not determinable as it is based on a percent of certain sales. Excluding such contingent consideration, the maximum amount estimated to be due is approximately $525 million, which is dependent upon attaining certain sales thresholds or based on the occurrence of certain events, such as regulatory approvals.

Litigation and Environmental Ma

Litigation and Environmental Matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 $10 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 $115 million to $160 million. The recorded accrual balance at December 31, 2017 for these proceedings and exposures was approximately $135 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.

Post-Employment Benefits

Post-Employment Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 (in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Projected benefit obligations, January 1 $ $ $ $ Service cost — benefits earned during the year Interest cost on projected benefit obligations (Gains) losses, primarily changes in discount rates, plan design changes, law changes and differences between actual and estimated health care costs Benefits paid ) ) ) ) Other, including foreign currency translation ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Projected benefit obligations, December 31 $ $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Plan assets at fair value, January 1 $ $ $ $ Actual return on plans' assets Company contributions Benefits paid ) ) ) ) Other, including foreign currency translation ) — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Plan assets at fair value, December 31 $ $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Projected benefit obligations greater than plan assets, December 31 $ ) $ ) $ ) $ ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Long-term assets $ $ $ — $ — Short-term liabilities ) ) ) ) Long-term liabilities ) ) ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net liability $ ) $ ) $ ) $ ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss): Actuarial losses, net $ $ $ $ Prior service cost (credits) ) — ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The projected benefit obligations for non-U.S. defined benefit plans was $3.0 billion and $2.5 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligations for all defined benefit plans were $8.9 billion and $7.4 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. For plans where the accumulated benefit obligations exceeded plan assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016, the aggregate accumulated benefit obligations, the projected benefit obligations and the aggregate plan assets were as follows: (in millions) 2017 2016 Accumulated benefit obligation $ $ Projected benefit obligation Fair value of plan assets The components of the net periodic benefit cost were as follows: Defined Benefit Plans Medical and 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 (in millions) Service cost — benefits earned during the year $ $ $ $ $ $ Interest cost on projected benefit obligations Expected return on plans' assets ) ) ) ) ) ) Amortization of actuarial losses Amortization of prior service cost (credits) — ) ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total cost Less: Discontinued operations — — ) — — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net cost — continuing operations $ $ $ $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In 2017, Abbott recognized a $10 million curtailment gain related to the sale of AMO. 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 losses of $247 million for defined benefit plans and $97 million for medical and dental plans in 2017; net actuarial losses of $571 million for defined benefit plans and $20 million for medical and dental plans in 2016; net actuarial gains of $37 million for defined benefit plans and $116 million for medical and dental plans in 2015. The pretax amount of actuarial losses and prior service cost (credits) included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2017 that is expected to be recognized in the net periodic benefit cost in 2018 is $213 million and $1 million of expense, respectively, for defined benefit pension plans and $31 million of expense and $45 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: 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate % % % Expected aggregate average long-term change in compensation % % % The weighted average assumptions used to determine the net cost for defined benefit plans and medical and dental plans are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate % % % Expected return on plan assets % % % Expected aggregate average long-term change in compensation % % % The assumed health care cost trend rates for medical and dental plans at December 31 were as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Health care cost trend rate assumed for the next year % % % Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to % % % Year that rate reaches the assumed ultimate rate 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 rates represent Abbott's expected annual rates of change in the cost of health care benefits and are forward projections 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, 2017, by $179 million /$(150) 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 $11 million/$(9) million. The following table summarizes the basis used to measure the defined benefit and medical and dental plan assets at fair value: Basis of Fair Value Measurement Outstanding Quoted Significant Significant Measured at (in millions) December 31, 2017: Equities: U.S. large cap (a) $ $ $ — $ — $ U.S. mid and small cap (b) — — International (c) — — Fixed income securities: U.S. government securities (d) — Corporate debt instruments (e) — Non-U.S. government securities (f) — — Other (g) — Absolute return funds (h) — — Commodities (i) — — Cash and Cash Equivalents — — Other (j) — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ $ $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, 2016: Equities: U.S. large cap (a) $ $ $ — $ — $ U.S. mid and small cap (b) — — International (c) — — Fixed income securities: U.S. government securities (d) — Corporate debt instruments (e) — Non-U.S. government securities (f) — — Other (g) — Absolute return funds (h) — — Commodities (i) — — Cash and Cash Equivalents — — Other (j) — — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ $ $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (a) A mix of index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various large cap indices. (b) A mix of index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various mid and small cap indices. (c) A mix of index funds and actively managed pooled investment funds that are benchmarked to various non-U.S. equity indices in both developed and emerging markets. (d) A mix of index funds and actively managed accounts that are benchmarked to various U.S. government bond indices. (e) A mix of index funds and actively managed accounts that are benchmarked to various corporate bond indices. (f) Primarily United Kingdom, Japan, the Netherlands and Irish government-issued bonds. (g) Primarily asset backed securities and an actively managed, diversified fixed income vehicle benchmarked to the one-month Libor / Euribor. (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 investments in private funds, such as private equity, private credit and private real estate. (k) In accordance with ASU 2015-07, investments measured at fair value using the NAV practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet. 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 NAV provided by the fund administrator. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund minus its liabilities. For approximately half of these funds, investments may be redeemed once per month, with a required 7 to 30 day notice period. For the remaining funds, daily redemption of an investment is allowed. Fixed income securities that are valued using significant other observable inputs are valued at prices obtained from independent financial service industry recognized vendors. Abbott did not have any unfunded commitments related to fixed income funds at December 31, 2017 and 2016. For the majority of these funds, investments may be redeemed either weekly or monthly, with a required 2 to 14 day notice period. For the remaining funds, investments may be generally redeemed daily. Absolute return funds and commodities are valued at the NAV provided by the fund administrator. All private funds are valued at the NAV provided by the fund on a one-quarter lag adjusted for known cash flows and significant events through the reporting date. Abbott did not have any unfunded commitments related to absolute return funds at December 31, 2017 and 2016. Investments in these funds may be generally redeemed monthly or quarterly with required notice periods ranging from 5 to 45 days. For approximately $100 million of the absolute return funds, redemptions are subject to a 25% gate. For commodities, investments in the private energy funds cannot be redeemed but the funds will make distributions through liquidation. The estimate of the liquidation period for each fund ranges from 2018 to 2022. Abbott's unfunded commitments in these funds as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were not significant. Investments in the private funds (excluding private energy funds) cannot be redeemed but the funds will make distributions through liquidation. The estimate of the liquidation period for each fund ranges from 2018 to 2027. Abbott's unfunded commitment in these funds was $489 million and $337 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The investment mix of equity securities, fixed income and other asset allocation strategies is based upon achieving a desired return, as well as balancing higher return, more volatile equity securities with 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 $645 million in 2017 and $582 million in 2016 to defined pension plans. Abbott expects to contribute approximately $114 million to its pension plans in 2018. 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 2018 $ $ 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 to 2027 The Abbott Stock Retirement Plan is the principal defined contribution plan. Abbott's contributions to this plan were $79 million in 2017, $83 million in 2016 and $81 million in 2015.

Taxes on Earnings from Continui

Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") was enacted in the U.S. on December 22, 2017. The TCJA reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. In the fourth quarter of 2017, Abbott recorded an estimate of net tax expense of $1.46 billion for the impact of the TCJA, which is included in Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. The estimate is provisional and includes a charge of approximately $2.89 billion for the transition tax, partially offset by a net benefit of approximately $1.42 billion for the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities and a net benefit of approximately $10 million related to certain other impacts of the TCJA. The one-time transition tax is based on Abbott's total post-1986 earnings and profits (E&P) that were previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. Abbott has not yet completed its calculation of the total post-1986 E&P for its foreign subsidiaries. The tax computation also requires the determination of the amount of post-1986 E&P considered held in cash and other specified assets. This amount may change as Abbott finalizes the calculation of post-1986 foreign E&P previously deferred from U.S. federal taxation and finalizes the amounts held in cash and other specified assets. Abbott plans to elect to pay the transition tax over eight years as allowed by the TCJA. Given the significant complexity of the TCJA, Abbott will continue to evaluate and analyze the impact of this legislation. The $1.46 billion estimate is provisional and is based on Abbott's initial analysis of the TCJA and may be materially adjusted in future periods due to among other things, additional analysis performed by Abbott and additional guidance that may be issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Financial Accounting Standards Board. In 2017, taxes on earnings from continuing operations also include $435 million of tax expense related to the gain on the sale of the AMO business. In 2016, taxes on earnings from continuing operations include the impact of a net tax benefit of approximately $225 million, primarily as a result of the resolution of various tax positions from prior years, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of non-deductible foreign exchange losses related to Venezuela and the adjustment of the Mylan N.V. equity investment, as well as the recognition of deferred taxes associated with the then pending sale of AMO. In 2015, taxes on earnings from continuing operations include a tax cost of $71 million related to the disposal of shares of Mylan N.V. stock. No additional income taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the transition tax. Determining the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to any remaining undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the transition tax and additional outside basis difference in these entities is not practicable. In the U.S., Abbott's federal income tax returns through 2013 are settled except for the federal income tax returns of the former Alere consolidated group which are settled through 2012. 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) 2017 2016 2015 Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Taxes: Domestic $ $ $ Foreign ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (in millions) 2017 2016 2015 Taxes on Earnings From Continuing Operations: Current: Domestic $ $ $ Foreign ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total current ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Deferred: Domestic ) ) Foreign ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total deferred ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Differences between the effective income tax rate and the U.S. statutory tax rate were as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Statutory tax rate on earnings from continuing operations % % % Impact of foreign operations ) ) ) Impact of TCJA — — Excess tax benefits related to stock compensation ) — — Research tax credit ) ) ) Resolution of certain tax positions pertaining to prior years — ) — Mylan share adjustment — — State taxes, net of federal benefit ) Federal tax cost on sale of Mylan N.V. shares — All other, net ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Effective tax rate on earnings from continuing operations % % % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Impact of foreign operations is primarily derived from operations in Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, and Singapore. The 2015 effective tax rate includes the impact of the R&D tax credit that was made permanent in the U.S. by the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015. The tax effect of the differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows: (in millions) 2017 2016 Deferred tax assets: Compensation and employee benefits $ $ Other, primarily reserves not currently deductible, and NOL's and credit carryforwards Trade receivable reserves Inventory reserves Deferred intercompany profit State income taxes ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance Valuation allowance ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total deferred tax assets $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation ) ) Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries — ) Other, primarily the excess of book basis over tax basis of intangible assets ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total deferred tax liabilities ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ ) $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 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. The increase in the valuation allowance from 2016 to 2017 relates to deferred tax assets recorded in certain entities acquired as part of the acquisition of St. Jude Medical. Abbott does not believe that it is more likely than not that the benefits of these deferred tax assets will be realized. 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) 2017 2016 January 1 $ $ Increase in tax positions due to acquisitions — Increase due to current year tax positions Increase due to prior year tax positions Decrease due to prior year tax positions ) ) Settlements ) ) Lapse of statute ) — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31 $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate is approximately $1.36 billion. Abbott believes that it is reasonably possible that the recorded amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits may decrease within a range of $150 million to $300 million, including cash adjustments, within the next twelve months as a result of concluding various domestic and international tax matters.

Segment and Geographic Area Inf

Segment and Geographic Area Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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. On January 4, 2017, Abbott completed the acquisition of St. Jude Medical. Beginning with the first quarter of 2017, Abbott's cardiovascular and neuromodulation business includes the results of its historical Vascular Products segment and the results of the businesses acquired from St. Jude Medical from the date of acquisition. On October 3, 2017, Abbott completed the acquisition of Alere. Beginning with the fourth quarter of 2017, Abbott's Diagnostic Products reportable segment includes the results of Alere from the date of acquisition. 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, Rapid Diagnostics and Ibis diagnostic divisions are aggregated and reported as the Diagnostic Products segment. Rapid Diagnostics is the business acquired from Alere. Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products — Worldwide sales of rhythm management, electrophysiology, heart failure, vascular, structural heart and neuromodulation products. Non-reportable segments include AMO through the date of sale and Diabetes Care. 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) 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Established Pharmaceuticals $ $ $ $ $ $ Nutritionals Diagnostics Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Reportable Segments $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Other ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (a) Net sales were unfavorably affected by the relatively stronger U.S. dollar in 2016 and 2015. Operating earnings were unfavorably affected by the impact of foreign exchange in 2017, 2016 and 2015. 2017 2016 2015 (in millions) Total Reportable Segment Operating Earnings $ $ $ Corporate functions and benefit plans costs ) ) ) Non-reportable segments Net interest expense ) ) ) Share-based compensation ) ) ) Amortization of intangible assets ) ) ) Other, net (b) ) ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Earnings from Continuing Operations before Taxes $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (b) Other, net includes inventory step-up amortization, integration costs associated with the acquisition of St. Jude Medical and Alere, and restructuring charges, partially offset by the gain on the sale of the AMO business in 2017. In 2016, Other, net includes the $947 million adjustment of the Mylan equity investment and $480 million of foreign currency exchange loss related to operations in Venezuela. Charges for restructuring actions and other cost reduction initiatives were approximately $384 million in 2017, $167 million in 2016 and $310 million in 2015. 2015 includes a $207 million pre-tax gain on the sale of a portion of the Mylan N.V. ordinary shares. Depreciation Additions to Total Assets (in millions) 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Established Pharmaceuticals $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Nutritionals Diagnostics Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Reportable Segments $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Other ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ $ $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (c) Amounts exclude property, plant and equipment acquired through business acquisitions. 2017 2016 2015 (in millions) Total Reportable Segment Assets $ $ $ Cash and investments Non-reportable segments Goodwill and intangible assets (d) All other (d) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Assets $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (d) Goodwill and intangible assets related to AMO are included in the All other line in 2016. Net Sales to External 2017 2016 2015 (in millions) United States $ $ $ China Germany Japan India The Netherlands Switzerland Russia France Brazil Italy United Kingdom Colombia Canada Vietnam All Other Countries ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Consolidated $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (e) Sales by country are based on the country that sold the product. Long-lived assets on a geographic basis primarily include property, plant and equipment. It excludes goodwill, intangible assets, deferred tax assets, and financial instruments. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, Long-lived assets totaled $8.9 billion and $6.6 billion, respectively, and in the United States such assets totaled $4.5 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively. Long-lived asset balances associated with other countries were not material on an individual country basis in either of the two years

Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

Quarterly Results (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
Quarterly Results (Unaudited)	Note 16 — Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (in millions except per share data) 2017 2016 First Quarter Continuing Operations: Net Sales $ $ Gross Profit Earnings from Continuing Operations Basic Earnings per Common Share Diluted Earnings per Common Share Net Earnings Basic Earnings Per Common Share (a) Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (a) Market Price Per Share-High Market Price Per Share-Low Second Quarter Continuing Operations: Net Sales $ $ Gross Profit Earnings from Continuing Operations Basic Earnings per Common Share Diluted Earnings per Common Share Net Earnings Basic Earnings Per Common Share (a) Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (a) Market Price Per Share-High Market Price Per Share-Low Third Quarter Continuing Operations: Net Sales $ $ Gross Profit Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations ) Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share ) Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share ) Net Earnings (Loss) ) Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (a) ) Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (a) ) Market Price Per Share-High Market Price Per Share-Low Fourth Quarter Continuing Operations: Net Sales $ $ Gross Profit Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations ) Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share ) Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share ) Net Earnings (Loss) ) Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (a) ) Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (a) ) Market Price Per Share-High Market Price Per Share-Low (a) The sum of the four quarters of earnings per share for 2017 and 2016 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 Accoun26

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 — In September 2016, Abbott announced that it had entered into an agreement to sell Abbott Medical Optics (AMO), its vision care business, to Johnson & Johnson. The transaction closed in February 2017. The operating results of AMO up to the date of sale were reported as part of continuing operations as AMO did not qualify for reporting as a discontinued operation. The assets and liabilities of AMO are reported as held for disposition in Abbott's Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2016. On February 27, 2015, Abbott completed the sale of its developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business to Mylan Inc. (Mylan) for equity ownership of a newly formed entity that combined Mylan's existing business and Abbott's developed markets pharmaceuticals business. On February 10, 2015, Abbott completed the sale of its animal health business to Zoetis Inc. The historical operating results of these two businesses up to the date of sale are excluded from Earnings from Continuing Operations and are presented on the Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes line in Abbott's Consolidated Statement of Earnings. The cash flows of these businesses are included in Abbott's Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows up to the date of disposition. See Note 2 — 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 consolidated 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 on the Net foreign exchange (gain) loss line of the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.
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, prior to its divestiture, 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 (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 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. The standard becomes effective for Abbott in the first quarter of 2018. Abbott's revenues are primarily comprised of product sales. Abbott completed a thorough evaluation of the new standard including a detailed review of Abbott's revenue streams and contracts. Abbott does not expect the adoption of the new standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. Abbott will use the modified retrospective method to adopt this standard.
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. No additional income taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the transition tax related to the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or any additional outside basis differences that exist, as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. Interest and penalties on income tax obligations are included in taxes on income.
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE — Unvested restricted stock units and awards 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 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $346 million, $1.057 billion and $2.595 billion, respectively. Net earnings allocated to common shares in 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $468 million, $1.393 billion and $4.403 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 are reviewed for impairment on a quarterly basis. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually.
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION — The fair 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. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . ASU 2016-09 modifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes and classification on the statement of cash flows. Abbott adopted the standard in the first quarter of 2017 and the following changes were made to the presentation of Abbott's financial statements: • All excess tax benefits or tax deficiencies are now recognized as income tax benefit or expense as applicable. Previously, Abbott recorded the benefits to Shareholders' Investment. The tax benefit recorded in Abbott's Consolidated Statement of Earnings for 2017 was $120 million. The standard does not permit retrospective presentation of this benefit in prior years. • The tax benefit or deficiency is required to be classified as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows. Previously, it was required to be classified within financing activities. Abbott has adopted this standard on a prospective basis and has not revised the classification of the excess tax benefit in the prior year's Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
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, U.S. government securities money market funds and U.S. treasury bills with original maturities of three months or less. Abbott holds certain investments with a carrying value of approximately $235 million that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Investments held in a rabbi trust are accounted for as trading securities. 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.
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. 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 Accoun27

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Schedule of 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, 2017
Discontinued Operations
Schedule of components of discontinued operations	Year Ended (in millions) 2017 2016 2015 Net Sales Developed markets generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses $ — $ — $ AbbVie — — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ — $ — $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Earnings (Loss) Before Tax Developed markets generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses $ $ ) $ AbbVie — — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ ) $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net Earnings Developed markets generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses $ $ $ AbbVie ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Assets and Liabilities Held f29

Assets and Liabilities Held for Disposition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets and Liabilities Held for Disposition
Summary of assets and liabilities held for disposition	(in millions) December 31, December 31, Trade receivables, net $ $ Total inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Current assets held for disposition ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net property and equipment Intangible assets, net of amortization Goodwill Deferred income taxes and other assets — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Non-current assets held for disposition ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total assets held for disposition $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Trade accounts payable $ — $ Salaries, wages, commissions and other accrued liabilities — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Current liabilities held for disposition — Post-employment obligations, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total liabilities held for disposition $ — $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Supplemental Financial Inform30

Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Financial Information
Schedule of long-term investments	2017 2016 (in millions) Long-term Investments: Equity securities $ $ Other ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Schedule of other accrued liabilities	2017 2016 (in millions) Other Accrued Liabilities: Accrued rebates payable to government agencies $ $ Accrued other rebates (a) All other ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (a) Accrued wholesaler chargeback rebates of $178 million and $214 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, 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.
Schedule of post-employment obligations and other long-term liabilities	2017 2016 (in millions) Post-employment Obligations and Other Long-term Liabilities: Defined benefit pension plans and post-employment medical and dental plans for significant plans $ $ Deferred income taxes All other (b) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (b) 2017 includes approximately $835 million of net unrecognized tax benefits, as well as approximately $100 million of acquisition consideration payable. 2016 includes approximately $560 million of net unrecognized tax benefits, as well as approximately $130 million of acquisition consideration payable.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi31

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The components of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes, are as follows: ( in millions ) Cumulative Net Cumulative Cumulative Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ ) $ ) $ $ $ ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications ) ) ) ) (Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (a) — ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) ) ) ) ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Balance at December 31, 2016 ) ) ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Impact of business dispositions — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications ) ) (Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (a) — ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Balance at December 31, 2017 $ ) $ ) $ ) $ ) $ ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (a) Reclassified amounts for foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings as Net Foreign exchange (gain) loss; gains (losses) 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, 2017
St Jude Medical
Business Acquisitions
Schedule of allocation of fair value of the acquisition	(in billions) Acquired intangible assets, non-deductible $ Goodwill, non-deductible Acquired net tangible assets Deferred income taxes recorded at acquisition ) Net debt ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total final allocation of fair value $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Alere Inc
Business Acquisitions
Schedule of allocation of fair value of the acquisition	(in billions) Acquired intangible assets, non-deductible $ Goodwill, non-deductible Acquired net tangible assets Deferred income taxes recorded at acquisition ) Net debt ) Preferred stock ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total preliminary allocation of fair value $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Restructuring Plans (Tables)

Restructuring Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Plan 2017
Restructuring costs
Summary of restructuring activity	The following summarizes the activity in 2017 related to these actions and the status of the related accrual as of December 31, 2017: (in millions) Liabilities assumed as part of business acquisitions $ Restructuring charges Payments and other adjustments ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Accrued balance at December 31, 2017 $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Restructuring Plan from 2014 to 2017
Restructuring costs
Summary of restructuring activity	(in millions) Restructuring charges recorded in 2014 $ Payments and other adjustments ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Accrued balance at December 31, 2014 Restructuring charges Payments and other adjustments ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Accrued balance at December 31, 2015 Restructuring charges Payments and other adjustments ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Accrued balance at December 31, 2016 Restructuring charges Payments and other adjustments ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Accrued balance at December 31, 2017 $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Incentive Stock Program (Tables

Incentive Stock Program (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Incentive Stock Program
Schedule of stock options outstanding and exercisable	Options Outstanding Exercisable Options Shares Weighted Weighted Shares Weighted Weighted December 31, 2016 $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Granted Converted for St. Jude Medical Exercised ) Lapsed ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, 2017 $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Schedule of fair value assumptions used to estimate fair value of option	2017 2016 2015 Risk-free interest rate % % % Average life of options (years) Volatility % % % Dividend yield % % %

Debt and Lines of Credit (Table

Debt and Lines of Credit (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt and Lines of Credit
Summary of long-term debt	The following is a summary of long-term debt at December 31: ( in millions ) 2017 2016 5.125% Notes, due 2019 $ $ 2.35% Notes, due 2019 2.50% Line of credit borrowing due 2019 — 2.80% Notes, due 2020 — 4.125% Notes, due 2020 2.00% Notes, due 2020 2.90% Notes, due 2021 2.55% Notes, due 2022 2.62% Term loan due 2022 — 3.25% Notes, due 2023 — 3.40% Notes, due 2023 3.875% Notes, due 2025 — 2.95% Notes, due 2025 3.75% Notes, due 2026 4.75% Notes, due 2036 6.15% Notes, due 2037 6.0% Notes, due 2039 5.3% Notes, due 2040 4.75% Notes, due 2043 — 4.90% Notes, due 2046 Unamortized debt issuance costs ) ) Other, including fair value adjustments relating to interest rate hedge contracts designated as fair value hedges ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total, net of current maturities Current maturities of long-term debt ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total carrying amount $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Schedule of debt assumed and exchanged	Principal Amount 2.00% Senior Notes due 2018 $ 473.8 million 2.80% Senior Notes due 2020 $ 483.7 million 3.25% Senior Notes due 2023 $ 818.4 million 3.875% Senior Notes due 2025 $ 490.7 million 4.75% Senior Notes due 2043 $ 639.1 million

Financial Instruments, Deriva36

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures
Summary of the amounts and location of certain derivative financial instruments	Fair Value — Assets Fair Value — Liabilities 2017 2016 Balance Sheet Caption 2017 2016 Balance Sheet Caption (in millions) Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges $ — $ Deferred income taxes and other assets $ $ Post-employment obligations and other long-term liabilities Foreign currency forward exchange contracts — Hedging instruments Other prepaid expenses and receivables Other accrued liabilities Others not designated as hedges Other prepaid expenses and receivables Other accrued liabilities Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary — — n/a — Short-term borrowings ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Schedule of derivatives gain (loss) in OCI and earnings	Gain (loss) Recognized in Income (expense) and Income Statement 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 (in millions) Foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges $ ) $ $ $ ) $ $ Cost of products sold Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary ) ) — — — n/a Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges n/a n/a n/a ) ) Interest expense
Schedule of carrying values and fair values of certain financial instruments	2017 2016 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair (in millions) Long-term Investment Securities: Equity securities $ $ $ $ Other Total Long-term Debt ) ) ) ) Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts: Receivable position (Payable) position ) ) ) ) Interest Rate Hedge Contracts: Receivable position — — (Payable) position ) ) ) )
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	Basis of Fair Value Measurement Outstanding Quoted Significant Other Significant (in millions) December 31, 2017: Equity securities $ $ $ — $ — Foreign currency forward exchange contracts — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Assets $ $ $ $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fair value of hedged long-term debt $ $ — $ $ — Interest rate swap financial instruments — — Foreign currency forward exchange contracts — — Contingent consideration related to business combinations — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Liabilities $ $ — $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, 2016: Equity securities $ $ $ — $ — Interest rate swap financial instruments — — Foreign currency forward exchange contracts — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Assets $ $ $ $ — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fair value of hedged long-term debt $ $ — $ $ — Interest rate swap financial instruments — — Foreign currency forward exchange contracts — — Contingent consideration related to business combinations — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Liabilities $ $ — $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Post-Employment Benefits (Table

Post-Employment Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 (in millions) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Projected benefit obligations, January 1 $ $ $ $ Service cost — benefits earned during the year Interest cost on projected benefit obligations (Gains) losses, primarily changes in discount rates, plan design changes, law changes and differences between actual and estimated health care costs Benefits paid ) ) ) ) Other, including foreign currency translation ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Projected benefit obligations, December 31 $ $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Plan assets at fair value, January 1 $ $ $ $ Actual return on plans' assets Company contributions Benefits paid ) ) ) ) Other, including foreign currency translation ) — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Plan assets at fair value, December 31 $ $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Projected benefit obligations greater than plan assets, December 31 $ ) $ ) $ ) $ ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Long-term assets $ $ $ — $ — Short-term liabilities ) ) ) ) Long-term liabilities ) ) ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net liability $ ) $ ) $ ) $ ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss): Actuarial losses, net $ $ $ $ Prior service cost (credits) ) — ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
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) 2017 2016 Accumulated benefit obligation $ $ Projected benefit obligation Fair value of plan assets
Schedule of components of the net periodic benefit cost for the entity's major defined benefit plans and post-employment medical and dental benefit plans	Defined Benefit Plans Medical and 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 (in millions) Service cost — benefits earned during the year $ $ $ $ $ $ Interest cost on projected benefit obligations Expected return on plans' assets ) ) ) ) ) ) Amortization of actuarial losses Amortization of prior service cost (credits) — ) ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total cost Less: Discontinued operations — — ) — — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Net cost — continuing operations $ $ $ $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Schedule of 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: 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate % % % Expected aggregate average long-term change in compensation % % % The weighted average assumptions used to determine the net cost for defined benefit plans and medical and dental plans are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate % % % Expected return on plan assets % % % Expected aggregate average long-term change in compensation % % %
Schedule of assumed health care cost trend rates	2017 2016 2015 Health care cost trend rate assumed for the next year % % % Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to % % % Year that rate reaches the assumed ultimate rate
Schedule of basis used to measure the defined benefit and medical and dental plan assets at fair value	Basis of Fair Value Measurement Outstanding Quoted Significant Significant Measured at (in millions) December 31, 2017: Equities: U.S. large cap (a) $ $ $ — $ — $ U.S. mid and small cap (b) — — International (c) — — Fixed income securities: U.S. government securities (d) — Corporate debt instruments (e) — Non-U.S. government securities (f) — — Other (g) — Absolute return funds (h) — — Commodities (i) — — Cash and Cash Equivalents — — Other (j) — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ $ $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31, 2016: Equities: U.S. large cap (a) $ $ $ — $ — $ U.S. mid and small cap (b) — — International (c) — — Fixed income securities: U.S. government securities (d) — Corporate debt instruments (e) — Non-U.S. government securities (f) — — Other (g) — Absolute return funds (h) — — Commodities (i) — — Cash and Cash Equivalents — — Other (j) — — — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ $ $ $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (a) A mix of index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various large cap indices. (b) A mix of index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various mid and small cap indices. (c) A mix of index funds and actively managed pooled investment funds that are benchmarked to various non-U.S. equity indices in both developed and emerging markets. (d) A mix of index funds and actively managed accounts that are benchmarked to various U.S. government bond indices. (e) A mix of index funds and actively managed accounts that are benchmarked to various corporate bond indices. (f) Primarily United Kingdom, Japan, the Netherlands and Irish government-issued bonds. (g) Primarily asset backed securities and an actively managed, diversified fixed income vehicle benchmarked to the one-month Libor / Euribor. (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 investments in private funds, such as private equity, private credit and private real estate. (k) In accordance with ASU 2015-07, investments measured at fair value using the NAV practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet.
Benefit payments expected to be paid to participants	(in millions) Defined Medical and 2018 $ $ 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 to 2027

Taxes on Earnings from Contin38

Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations
Schedule of earnings from continuing operations before taxes	(in millions) 2017 2016 2015 Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Taxes: Domestic $ $ $ Foreign ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Schedule of components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	(in millions) 2017 2016 2015 Taxes on Earnings From Continuing Operations: Current: Domestic $ $ $ Foreign ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total current ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Deferred: Domestic ) ) Foreign ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total deferred ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Schedule of reconciliation of income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory rate to income tax expense (benefit)	2017 2016 2015 Statutory tax rate on earnings from continuing operations % % % Impact of foreign operations ) ) ) Impact of TCJA — — Excess tax benefits related to stock compensation ) — — Research tax credit ) ) ) Resolution of certain tax positions pertaining to prior years — ) — Mylan share adjustment — — State taxes, net of federal benefit ) Federal tax cost on sale of Mylan N.V. shares — All other, net ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Effective tax rate on earnings from continuing operations % % % ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Schedule of components of net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	(in millions) 2017 2016 Deferred tax assets: Compensation and employee benefits $ $ Other, primarily reserves not currently deductible, and NOL's and credit carryforwards Trade receivable reserves Inventory reserves Deferred intercompany profit State income taxes ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance Valuation allowance ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total deferred tax assets $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation ) ) Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries — ) Other, primarily the excess of book basis over tax basis of intangible assets ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total deferred tax liabilities ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ ) $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Schedule of reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits for the period	(in millions) 2017 2016 January 1 $ $ Increase in tax positions due to acquisitions — Increase due to current year tax positions Increase due to prior year tax positions Decrease due to prior year tax positions ) ) Settlements ) ) Lapse of statute ) — ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 31 $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Segment and Geographic Area I39

Segment and Geographic Area Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment and Geographic Area Information
Schedule of segment information - net sales and operating earnings	Net Sales to External Customers (a) Operating Earnings (a) (in millions) 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Established Pharmaceuticals $ $ $ $ $ $ Nutritionals Diagnostics Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Reportable Segments $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Other ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (a) Net sales were unfavorably affected by the relatively stronger U.S. dollar in 2016 and 2015. Operating earnings were unfavorably affected by the impact of foreign exchange in 2017, 2016 and 2015.
Schedule of reconciliation of operating earnings to earnings from continuing operations	2017 2016 2015 (in millions) Total Reportable Segment Operating Earnings $ $ $ Corporate functions and benefit plans costs ) ) ) Non-reportable segments Net interest expense ) ) ) Share-based compensation ) ) ) Amortization of intangible assets ) ) ) Other, net (b) ) ) ) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Earnings from Continuing Operations before Taxes $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (b) Other, net includes inventory step-up amortization, integration costs associated with the acquisition of St. Jude Medical and Alere, and restructuring charges, partially offset by the gain on the sale of the AMO business in 2017. In 2016, Other, net includes the $947 million adjustment of the Mylan equity investment and $480 million of foreign currency exchange loss related to operations in Venezuela. Charges for restructuring actions and other cost reduction initiatives were approximately $384 million in 2017, $167 million in 2016 and $310 million in 2015. 2015 includes a $207 million pre-tax gain on the sale of a portion of the Mylan N.V. ordinary shares.
Schedule of depreciation, additions to property, palnd and equipment and total assets by segment	Depreciation Additions to Total Assets (in millions) 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Established Pharmaceuticals $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Nutritionals Diagnostics Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Reportable Segments $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Other ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total $ $ $ $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (c) Amounts exclude property, plant and equipment acquired through business acquisitions.
Schedule of reconciliation of segment assets to total assets	2017 2016 2015 (in millions) Total Reportable Segment Assets $ $ $ Cash and investments Non-reportable segments Goodwill and intangible assets (d) All other (d) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Total Assets $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (d) Goodwill and intangible assets related to AMO are included in the All other line in 2016.
Schedule of net sales to external customers by geographic areas	Net Sales to External 2017 2016 2015 (in millions) United States $ $ $ China Germany Japan India The Netherlands Switzerland Russia France Brazil Italy United Kingdom Colombia Canada Vietnam All Other Countries ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Consolidated $ $ $ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (e) Sales by country are based on the country that sold the product.

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
Schedule of quarterly Results (Unaudited)	(in millions except per share data) 2017 2016 First Quarter Continuing Operations: Net Sales $ $ Gross Profit Earnings from Continuing Operations Basic Earnings per Common Share Diluted Earnings per Common Share Net Earnings Basic Earnings Per Common Share (a) Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (a) Market Price Per Share-High Market Price Per Share-Low Second Quarter Continuing Operations: Net Sales $ $ Gross Profit Earnings from Continuing Operations Basic Earnings per Common Share Diluted Earnings per Common Share Net Earnings Basic Earnings Per Common Share (a) Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (a) Market Price Per Share-High Market Price Per Share-Low Third Quarter Continuing Operations: Net Sales $ $ Gross Profit Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations ) Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share ) Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share ) Net Earnings (Loss) ) Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (a) ) Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (a) ) Market Price Per Share-High Market Price Per Share-Low Fourth Quarter Continuing Operations: Net Sales $ $ Gross Profit Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations ) Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share ) Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share ) Net Earnings (Loss) ) Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (a) ) Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (a) ) Market Price Per Share-High Market Price Per Share-Low (a) The sum of the four quarters of earnings per share for 2017 and 2016 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 Accoun41

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Changes in Presentation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017item
CHANGES IN PRESENTATION
Number of businesses disposed	2

Summary of Significant Accoun42

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings from continuing operations allocated to common shares	$ 346	$ 1,057	$ 2,595
Net earnings allocated to common shares	$ 468	$ 1,393	$ 4,403
PENSION AND POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Amortization period of differences between the expected long-term return on plan assets and the actual return	5 years

Summary of Significant Accoun43

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Tax benefit	$ 1,878	$ 350	$ 577
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Tax benefit	$ 120

Summary of Significant Accoun44

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cash, Cash Equivalents And Investments (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND INVESTMENTS
Equity method investments carrying value	$ 235

Summary of Significant Accoun45

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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

Discontinued Operations - By Di

Discontinued Operations - By Disposal (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	Feb. 27, 2015	Feb. 10, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations
After tax gain						$ 16	$ 1,752
Proceeds from the sale of Mylan N.V. shares					$ 2,704		2,290
Gain on sale of Mylan shares					$ 45		$ 207
Mylan N. V. (Investee)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations
Percentage of ownership after transaction			14.00%
Developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations
Period of notice require to terminate manufacturing supply of products	2 years
Developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business | Minimum
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations
Extension period of certain transition services	5 months
Period for providing manufacturing supply of products	3 years
Developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business | Maximum
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations
Period of transition services	2 years
Extension period of certain transition services	10 months
Period for providing manufacturing supply of products	10 years
Developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business | Mylan N. V. (Investee) | Mylan
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations
Number of ordinary shares received for sale of business	110,000
Percentage of ordinary shares received for sale of business	22.00%
Value of ordinary shares received for sale of business	$ 5,770
After tax gain	$ 1,600
Animal Health Business
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations
After tax gain		$ 130		$ 16
Proceeds from the disposition of business		$ 230		$ 25
Equity securities | Mylan N. V. (Investee)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations
Number of shares in investment sold			40,250		69,750
Proceeds from the sale of Mylan N.V. shares			$ 2,290		$ 2,704
Gain on sale of Mylan shares			$ 207		$ 45

Discontinued Operations - Summa

Discontinued Operations - Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Financial information for discontinued operations
Net Sales			$ 256
Earnings (Loss) Before Tax	$ 15	$ (4)	13
Net Earnings	124	321	65
Income tax benefits	109	325	52
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax
After tax gain		16	1,752
Developed markets generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses
Financial information for discontinued operations
Net Sales			256
Earnings (Loss) Before Tax	15	(4)	13
Net Earnings	15	3	62
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax
Pretax gain			2,840
Tax expenses from discontinued operations			1,088
After tax gain			1,752
Developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals businesses
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax
Tax expenses from discontinued operations			667
AbbVie
Financial information for discontinued operations
Net Earnings	$ 109	$ 318	3
Tax benefit related to the resolution of various tax positions related to prior years			$ 48

Assets and Liabilities Held f48

Assets and Liabilities Held for Disposition - General (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets and liabilities held for disposition
Earnings (losses) before taxes		$ 2,231	$ 1,413	$ 3,183
Disclosures
After tax gain			16	1,752
AMO | Dispositions held for sale
Assets and liabilities held for disposition
Sale consideration		4,325
Earnings (losses) before taxes		(18)	$ 30	$ 64
Disclosures
After tax gain		728
AMO | Dispositions held for sale | Other (income) expense, net
Disclosures
Pre-tax gain on sale of disposal group	$ 1,163	$ 1,163

Assets and Liabilities Held f49

Assets and Liabilities Held for Disposition - Summary of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disposals as part of acquisitions
Current assets held for disposition	$ 20	$ 513
Current liabilities held for disposition		245
Dispositions held for sale | AMO
Disposals as part of acquisitions
Trade receivables, net	12	222
Total inventories	8	240
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		51
Current assets held for disposition	20	513
Net property and equipment	56	247
Intangible assets, net of amortization	18	529
Goodwill	102	1,966
Deferred income taxes and other assets		11
Non-current assets held for disposition	176	2,753
Total assets held for disposition	$ 196	3,266
Trade accounts payable		71
Salaries, wages, commissions and other accrued liabilities		174
Current liabilities held for disposition		245
Post-employment obligations, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities		59
Total liabilities held for disposition		$ 304

Supplemental Financial Inform50

Supplemental Financial Information - Other income and expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017	Apr. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental financial information
Mylan N.V. equity investment adjustment				$ 947
Gain on sale of Mylan shares			$ 45		$ 207
Other (income) expense, net
Supplemental financial information
Increase (decrease) in fair value of contingent consideration liability related to a business acquisition					$ (79)
Other (income) expense, net | Mylan N. V. (Investee)
Supplemental financial information
Mylan N.V. equity investment adjustment				$ 947
Gain on sale of Mylan shares		$ 207	45
AMO | Dispositions held for sale | Other (income) expense, net
Supplemental financial information
Pre-tax gain on sale of disposal group	$ 1,163		$ 1,163

Supplemental Financial Inform51

Supplemental Financial Information - Investments (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments
Long-term Investments		$ 883		$ 2,947
Proceeds from the sale of Mylan N.V. shares		2,704	$ 2,290
Gain on sale of Mylan shares		45	$ 207
Mylan N. V. (Investee) | Other (income) expense, net
Investments
Gain on sale of Mylan shares	$ 207	45
Equity securities
Investments
Long-term Investments		797		2,906
Equity securities | St Jude Medical
Investments
Securities in mutual funds held in a rabbi trust		363
Equity securities | Mylan N. V. (Investee)
Investments
Proceeds from the sale of Mylan N.V. shares	$ 2,290	$ 2,704
Number of shares in investment sold	40,250	69,750
Carrying value of investment at the time of sale		$ 2,700
Gain on sale of Mylan shares	$ 207	45
Other
Investments
Long-term Investments		$ 86		$ 41

Supplemental Financial Inform52

Supplemental Financial Information - Other accrued liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Accrued Liabilities:
Accrued rebates payable to government agencies	$ 124	$ 110
Accrued other rebates	498	296
All other	3,189	2,175
Total	3,811	2,581
Accrued wholesaler chargeback rebates	$ 178	$ 214

Supplemental Financial Inform53

Supplemental Financial Information - Post-employment obligations and other long-term liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Post-employment Obligations and Other Long-term Liabilities:
Defined benefit pension plans and post-employment medical and dental plans for significant plans	$ 2,169	$ 2,154
Deferred income taxes	2,006	356
All other	4,855	2,039
Total	9,030	4,549
All other disclosures
Net unrecognized tax benefits from acquisition	1,440	972	$ 1,438
Post-employment Obligations and Other Long-term Liabilities:
All other disclosures
Net unrecognized tax benefits from acquisition	835	560
Acquisition contingent consideration, noncurrent	$ 100	$ 130

Supplemental Financial Inform54

Supplemental Financial Information - Foreign currency (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016	Feb. 17, 2016	Feb. 16, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Foreign currency disclosures
Foreign currency exchange loss on remeasurement	$ 480
Venezuela
Foreign currency disclosures
Foreign currency exchange loss on remeasurement	$ 480
CENCOEX
Foreign currency disclosures
Official rate to U.S. dollar					6.3
SICAD
Foreign currency disclosures
Official rate to U.S. dollar					13.5
SIMADI
Foreign currency disclosures
Official rate to U.S. dollar					200
DIPRO
Foreign currency disclosures
Official rate to U.S. dollar			10	6.3
DICOM
Foreign currency disclosures
Official rate to U.S. dollar		263
Venezuelan bolivars
Foreign currency disclosures
Official rate to U.S. dollar					6.3

Accumulated Other Comprehensi55

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes
Beginning of Year	$ 20,538
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	1,052	$ (605)	$ (1,732)
End of Year	30,897	20,538
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes
Beginning of Year	(7,263)	(6,658)
Impact of business dispositions	149		127
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,044	(1,591)
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	8	986
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	1,052	(605)	(1,732)
End of Year	(6,062)	(7,263)	(6,658)
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes
Beginning of Year	(4,959)	(4,829)
Impact of business dispositions	142
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,365	(130)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	1,365	(130)
End of Year	(3,452)	(4,959)	(4,829)
Net Actuarial Losses and Prior Service Costs and Credits
Other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes
Beginning of Year	(2,284)	(1,958)
Impact of business dispositions	6
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(333)	(393)
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	90	67
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(243)	(326)
End of Year	(2,521)	(2,284)	(1,958)
Cumulative Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Equity Securities
Other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes
Beginning of Year	(69)	65
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	182	(1,109)
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(118)	975
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	64	(134)
End of Year	(5)	(69)	65
Cumulative Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes
Beginning of Year	49	64
Impact of business dispositions	1
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(170)	41
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	36	(56)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(134)	(15)
End of Year	$ (84)	$ 49	$ 64

Business Acquisitions - St. Jud

Business Acquisitions - St. Jude (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jan. 20, 2017	Jan. 04, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allocation of the fair value
Goodwill, non-deductible			$ 24,020	$ 7,683
Disposals as part of acquisitions
Gain or loss on sale			$ 1,163	25	$ 2,840
St Jude Medical
Business acquisitions
Total consideration for business acquisition		$ 23,600
Cash paid for business acquisition		13,600
Issue of equity for business acquisition		$ 10,000
Number of equity shares issued for business acquisition		254,000,000
Debt assumed and subsequently repaid or refinanced		$ 5,900
Share price of shares received in acquisition per agreement (in dollars per share)		$ 46.75
Share received (in shares)		0.8708
Stock price (in dollars per share)		$ 39.36
Expected value per common share (in dollars per share)		$ 81
Allocation of the fair value
Acquired intangible assets, non-deductible		$ 15,500
Goodwill, non-deductible		13,100
Acquired net tangible assets		3,000
Deferred income taxes recorded at acquisition		(2,700)
Net debt		(5,300)
Total final allocation of fair value		23,600
Trade accounts receivable		1,100
Inventory		1,700
Other current assets		176
Property and equipment		1,500
Other long-term assets		455
Trade accounts payable and other current liabilities		1,100
Other non-current liabilities		870
St Jude Medical | 120-day senior unsecured bridge term loan
Business acquisitions
Proceeds from bridge loan		$ 2,000
Maturity period		120 days
St. Jude Medical Angio-Seal and Femoseal vascular closure and Abbott's Vado Steerable Sheath businesses | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Disposals as part of acquisitions
Proceeds from sale of businesses				$ 1,120
Gain or loss on sale	$ 0

Business Acquisitions - Alere I

Business Acquisitions - Alere Inc. (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Oct. 03, 2017USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)installment	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Allocation of the fair value
Goodwill, non-deductible			$ 24,020	$ 7,683
Disposals as part of acquisitions
Gain or loss on sale			1,163	$ 25	$ 2,840
Alere Inc
Business acquisitions
Share price of shares received in acquisition per agreement (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 51
Issue of equity for business acquisition	$ 4,500
Debt assumed and subsequently repaid or refinanced	3,000
Allocation of the fair value
Acquired intangible assets, non-deductible	3,500
Goodwill, non-deductible	4,100
Acquired net tangible assets	900
Deferred income taxes recorded at acquisition	(700)
Net debt	(2,600)
Preferred stock	(700)
Total preliminary allocation of fair value	4,500
Trade accounts receivable	430
Inventory	425
Other current assets	206
Property and equipment	540
Other long-term assets	112
Trade accounts payable and other current liabilities	625
Other non-current liabilities	$ 160
Disposal Group, held for disposition | Alere Inc
Disposals as part of acquisitions
Gain or loss on sale			$ 0
Triage MeterPro Business | Disposal Group, held for disposition | Alere Inc
Disposals as part of acquisitions
Sale consideration		$ 400
Sale consideration receivable in annual installments		$ 240
Number of installments | installment		6
Triage MeterPro Business | Disposal Group, held for disposition | Alere Inc | Maximum
Disposals as part of acquisitions
Contingent consideration asset		$ 40
Epocal Inc. | Disposal Group, held for disposition | Alere Inc
Disposals as part of acquisitions
Sale consideration		$ 200

Business Acquisitions - Revenue

Business Acquisitions - Revenue and Earnings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statement of Earnings
Net Sales	$ 7,589	$ 6,829	$ 6,637	$ 6,335	$ 5,333	$ 5,302	$ 5,333	$ 4,885	$ 27,390	$ 20,853	$ 20,405
Pre-tax loss									2,231	1,413	3,183
Amortization of intangible assets									1,975	550	$ 601
Amortization of inventory step-up									907
St Jude Medical Inc and Alere Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Earnings
Net Sales									6,500
Pre-tax loss									(1,300)
Amortization of intangible assets									1,500
Amortization of inventory step-up									907
Pro forma financial information
Pro forma consolidated net sales									28,900	28,900
Pro forma consolidated net earnings (loss)									750	(485)
Amortization of inventory step-up										940
Amortization of intangibles									$ 225	$ 1,700

Business Acquisitions - Alere P

Business Acquisitions - Alere Preferred Stock Tender Offer (Details) - Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B - Alere Inc - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2017	Jul. 17, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Acquisitions - other disclosures
Number of shares of stock to be acquired for cash per a tender offer (in shares)		1,770
Price of shares to be acquired for cash per a tender offer (n dollars per share)		$ 402
Number of shares accepted for payment per tender offer (in shares)	1,748
Remaining liquidation preference share (in dollars per share)			$ 400

Business Acquisitions - Tendyne

Business Acquisitions - Tendyne Holdings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Allocation of the fair value
Goodwill, non-deductible		$ 24,020	$ 7,683
Tendyne Holdings, Inc.
Business acquisitions
Cash paid for business acquisition	$ 225
Additional payments upon completion of certain regulatory milestones	150
Allocation of the fair value
Non-deductible acquired in-process research and development	220
Goodwill, non-deductible	142
Deferred tax assets and other net assets	18
Deferred tax liabilities	85
Contingent consideration	$ 70

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill	$ 24,020	$ 7,683
Goodwill acquired		79
Change in goodwill due to foreign currency translation adjustments	653	$ (66)
Established Pharmaceutical Products
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill	3,200
Nutritional Products
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill	286
Diagnostic Products
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill	4,100
Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill	15,500
AMO | Dispositions held for sale
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill reclassified to non-current assets held for disposition	2,000
St Jude Medical Inc and Alere Inc.
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill acquired	17,200
Terumo, Quidel and Siemens | St Jude Medical Inc and Alere Inc.
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Decrease in goodwill due to sale of certain businessess	$ 1,500

Goodwill and Intangible Asset62

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Gross amount of amortizable intangible assets	$ 25,600	$ 10,400
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets	8,100	6,200
Amortizable intangible assets acquired		104
Increase in intangible assets due to foreign currency translation adjustment	227	6
Indefinite-lived intangible assets related to in-process research and development acquired in a business combination	3,900	349
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2018	2,400
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2019	2,300
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2020	2,100
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2021	2,000
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2022	2,000
Non-reportable segment
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets in-process research and development project		$ 59
Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products segment
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets in-process research and development project	$ 53
Minimum
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Amortization period of intangible assets	2 years
Maximum
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Amortization period of intangible assets	20 years
Average
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Amortization period of intangible assets	14 years
St Jude Medical Inc and Alere Inc.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Amortizable intangible assets acquired	$ 14,500
Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired	4,500
St Jude Medical Inc and Alere Inc. | Quidel and Siemens
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Decrease in intangible assets due to sale of certain businesses	210
Dispositions held for sale | AMO
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Net intangible assets moved to Non-current assets held for disposition	$ 529

Restructuring Plans (Details)

Restructuring Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Plan 2017
Restructuring costs
Liabilities assumed as part of business acquisition	$ 23
Restructuring charges	187
Payments and other adjustments	(142)
Accrued balance	68
Restructuring Plan 2017 | Cost of products sold
Restructuring costs
Restructuring charges	5
Restructuring Plan 2017 | Selling, general and administrative expense
Restructuring costs
Restructuring charges	182
Restructuring Plan from 2014 to 2017
Restructuring costs
Restructuring charges	120	$ 33	$ 95	$ 164
Payments and other adjustments	(45)	(67)	(113)	(46)
Accrued balance	141	66	100	$ 118
Employee related severance and other charges	120	33	95
Additional charges for accelerated depreciation	2	2	45
Restructuring Plan from 2014 to 2017 | Cost of products sold
Restructuring costs
Restructuring charges	7	9	18
Restructuring Plan from 2014 to 2017 | Research and development
Restructuring costs
Restructuring charges	77	5	34
Restructuring Plan from 2014 to 2017 | Selling, general and administrative expense
Restructuring costs
Restructuring charges	$ 36	$ 19	$ 43

Restructuring Plans - Restructu

Restructuring Plans - Restructuring Activity (Details) - Restructuring Plan from 2014 to 2017 - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring reserve activity
Accrued balance at beginning of year	$ 66	$ 100	$ 118
Restructuring charges	120	33	95	$ 164
Payments and other adjustments	(45)	(67)	(113)	(46)
Accrued balance at end of year	$ 141	$ 66	$ 100	$ 118

Incentive Stock Program - Gener

Incentive Stock Program - General (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
2017 Incentive Stock Program
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Incentive stock programs, shares authorized for issuance		170,000,000
Incentive stock programs, shares reserved for future issuance	169,000,000
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Stock options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 36.85		$ 34.17
Stock options granted during the period (in shares)	4,985,970
Award vesting period	3 years
Stock options | St Jude Medical
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Number of awards converted as part of acquisition (in shares)	7,364,571
Stock options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 30.50
Stock options | 2017 Incentive Stock Program
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Stock options granted during the period (in shares)	4,985,970
Stock options | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Maximum term of option	10 years
Restricted stock awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Portion of awards vesting in any one year for awards that vest over 5 years (as a percent)	33.00%
For awards with a term of five years, number of years in which no more than one-third of the award vests	1 year
Restricted stock awards | 2017 Incentive Stock Program
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Grants in period, restricted stock (in shares)	580,203
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 | St Jude Medical
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Number of awards converted as part of acquisition (in shares)	2,324,500
Awards and units outstanding, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 37.69
Restricted stock units | 2017 Incentive Stock Program
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Awards and units granted during period (in shares)	7,687,009

Incentive Stock Program - Restr

Incentive Stock Program - Restricted Awards and Units (Details) - Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Awards and units outstanding (in shares)	15,518,719	13,705,511
Awards and units outstanding, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 42.82	$ 41.03
Awards and units granted during period (in shares)	8,267,212
Awards and units granted during period, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 45.20
Awards and units converted during period (in shares)	2,324,500
Awards and units converted during period, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 37.69
Awards and units vested during period (in shares)	7,553,969
Awards and units vested during period, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 40.77
Awards and units lapsed during period (in shares)	1,224,535
Awards and units lapsed during period, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 41.76
Fair value of awards and units vested	$ 348	$ 225	$ 312

Incentive Stock Program - Optio

Incentive Stock Program - Options Activity (Details) - Stock options - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Stock Options Outstanding During The Period
Stock options outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	35,888,333
Stock options granted during the period (in shares)	4,985,970
Stock options Converted for St. Jude Medical during the period (in shares)	7,364,571
Stock options exercised during the period (in shares)	(11,620,026)
Stock options lapsed during the period (in shares)	(805,048)
Stock options outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	35,813,800	35,888,333
Exercisable options outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	23,290,260
Exercisable options outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	22,216,890	23,290,260
Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price
Stock options outstanding at the beginning of the period, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 34.17
Stock options granted during the period, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	45.03
Stock options converted for St. Jude Medical during the period, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	30.50
Stock options exercised during the period, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	27.85
Stock options lapsed during the period, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	39.76
Stock options outstanding at the end of the period, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	36.85	$ 34.17
Exercisable options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	30.48
Exercisable options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 34.54	$ 30.48
Stock Options Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)
Stock options outstanding, weighted-average remaining life	5 years 9 months 18 days	5 years 3 months 18 days
Exercisable options, weighted-average remaining life	4 years 8 months 12 days	3 years 6 months
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	$ 500
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable	500
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	233	$ 98	$ 167
Total unrecognized compensation cost	$ 291
Total unrecognized compensation cost, recognition period	3 years

Incentive Stock Program - Expen

Incentive Stock Program - Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Tax benefit recognized in total non-cash compensation expense	$ 120
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Total non-cash compensation expense charged against income	406	$ 310	$ 291
Tax benefit recognized in total non-cash compensation expense	$ 242	$ 100	$ 98

Incentive Stock Program - Opt69

Incentive Stock Program - Options Fair Value (Details) - Stock options - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Fair value of an option granted (in dollars per share)	$ 6.54	$ 4.38	$ 6.67
Fair value assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	2.10%	1.40%	1.80%
Average life of options (years)	6 years	6 years	6 years
Volatility (as a percent)	18.00%	17.00%	17.00%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	2.40%	2.70%	2.00%

Debt and Lines of Credit - Sche

Debt and Lines of Credit - Schedule (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ (119)		$ (117)
Other, including fair value adjustments relating to interest rate hedge contracts designated as fair value hedges	(121)		(102)
Total, net of current maturities	27,210		20,681
Current maturities of long-term debt	508		3
Total carrying amount	27,718		20,684
5.125% Notes, due 2019
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 947		$ 947
Interest rate percentage	5.125%		5.125%
2.35% Notes, due 2019
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 2,850		$ 2,850
Interest rate percentage	2.35%		2.35%
2.50% Line of credit borrowing due 2019
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 1,150
Interest rate percentage	2.50%
2.80% Notes, due 2020
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 500
Interest rate percentage	2.80%
4.125% Notes, due 2020
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 597		$ 597
Interest rate percentage	4.125%		4.125%
2.00% Notes, due 2020
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 750		$ 750
Interest rate percentage	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
2.90% Notes, due 2021
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 2,850		$ 2,850
Interest rate percentage	2.90%		2.90%
2.55% Notes, due 2022
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 750		$ 750
Interest rate percentage	2.55%	2.55%	2.55%
2.62% Term loan due 2022
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 2,800
Interest rate percentage	2.62%
3.25% Notes, due 2023
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 900
Interest rate percentage	3.25%
3.40% Notes, due 2023
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 1,500		$ 1,500
Interest rate percentage	3.40%		3.40%
3.875% Notes, due 2025
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 500
Interest rate percentage	3.875%
2.95% Notes, due 2025
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 1,000		$ 1,000
Interest rate percentage	2.95%		2.95%
3.75% Notes, due 2026
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 3,000		$ 3,000
Interest rate percentage	3.75%		3.75%
4.75% Notes, due 2036
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 1,650		$ 1,650
Interest rate percentage	4.75%		4.75%
6.15% Notes, due 2037
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 547		$ 547
Interest rate percentage	6.15%		6.15%
6.0% Notes, due 2039
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 515		$ 515
Interest rate percentage	6.00%		6.00%
5.3% Notes, due 2040
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 694		$ 694
Interest rate percentage	5.30%		5.30%
4.75% Notes, due 2043
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 700
Interest rate percentage	4.75%
4.90% Notes, due 2046
Debt Instrument
Total, net of current maturities	$ 3,250		$ 3,250
Interest rate percentage	4.90%		4.90%

Debt and Lines of Credit - St.

Debt and Lines of Credit - St. Jude (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)NotesSeries	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount				$ 15,100	$ 2,500
Debt outstanding		$ 27,718	$ 20,684
St Jude Medical
Debt Instrument
Repayments of debt	$ 2,800
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount	2,900
Senior Notes | St Jude Medical
Debt Instrument
Debt outstanding	$ 194.2
Number of series of existing notes | NotesSeries	5
2.00% Senior Notes due 2018
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount	$ 473.8
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.00%
2.80% Senior Notes due 2020
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount	$ 483.7
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.80%
3.25% Senior Notes due 2023
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount	$ 818.4
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.25%
3.875% Senior Notes due 2025
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount	$ 490.7
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.875%
4.75% Senior Notes due 2043
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount	$ 639.1
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.75%

Debt and Lines of Credit - Loan

Debt and Lines of Credit - Loan Facility (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 03, 2017	Oct. 02, 2017	Jul. 31, 2017	Jan. 04, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument
Short-term debt outstanding						$ 206		$ 206	$ 1,322
2014 revolving credit agreement
Debt Instrument
Repayments of debt						550
Maximum borrowing capacity						5,000		$ 5,000
Proceeds from line of credit	$ 1,700	$ 0
St Jude Medical
Debt Instrument
Repayments of debt							$ 2,800
Alere Inc
Debt Instrument
Proceeds from bridge loan	$ 2,800
Maturity period			5 years
Repayments of debt						3,000
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 2,800
120-day senior unsecured bridge term loan | St Jude Medical
Debt Instrument
Proceeds from bridge loan				$ 2,000
Maturity period				120 days
Repayments of debt							$ 2,000
364-day yen-denominated debt
Debt Instrument
Maturity period								364 days
Short-term debt outstanding						$ 195		$ 195
Yen-denominated short-term debt
Debt Instrument
Debt paid off					$ 479			$ 479

Debt and Lines of Credit - Seni

Debt and Lines of Credit - Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount		$ 15,100	$ 2,500
2.35% Senior Notes, due 2019
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount		$ 2,850
Interest rate percentage		2.35%
2.90% Senior Notes, due 2021
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount		$ 2,850
Interest rate percentage		2.90%
3.40% Senior Notes, due 2023
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount		$ 1,500
Interest rate percentage		3.40%
3.75% Senior Notes, due 2026
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount		$ 3,000
Interest rate percentage		3.75%
4.75% Senior Notes, due 2036
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount		$ 1,650
Interest rate percentage		4.75%
4.90% Senior Notes, due 2046
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount		$ 3,250
Interest rate percentage		4.90%
Interest rate swaps
Debt Instrument
Notional amount of contracts entered during the period		$ 3,000	2,500
Notional amount of unwound contracts entered during the period	$ 1,500
2.00% Senior Notes due March 15, 2020
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount			$ 750
Interest rate percentage			2.00%
2.55% Senior Notes due March 15, 2022
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount			$ 750
Interest rate percentage			2.55%
2.95% Senior Notes due March 15, 2025
Debt Instrument
Debt issued - principal amount			$ 1,000
Interest rate percentage			2.95%

Debt and Lines of Credit - Prin

Debt and Lines of Credit - Principal Payments (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Principal payments of long-term debt
Principal payments required in 2018	$ 508
Principal payments required in 2019	5,000
Principal payments required in 2020	1,800
Principal payments required in 2021	2,900
Principal payments required in 2022	3,600
Principal payments required in 2023 and thereafter	$ 14,300

Debt and Lines of Credit - Avai

Debt and Lines of Credit - Available Credit and Commitment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Jan. 29, 2017	Feb. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument
Unused lines of credit			$ 5
Weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings			0.30%	0.60%	0.20%
364-day senior unsecured bridge term loan facility | Unfunded Loan Commitment
Debt Instrument
Maturity period		364 days
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 9
Maximum extension period available automatically	90 days

Financial Instruments, Deriva76

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures - Contracts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2017
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair Value - Liabilities		$ 610	$ 298	$ 610
Gross unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale equity securities		$ 10	(5)	$ 10	$ 171
Yen-denominated short-term debt
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Repayment of short-term debt designated as a hedge of the net investment in a foreign subsidiary	$ 479		$ 479
Interest rate swap to 2.00% and 2.55% notes
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Unwounded interest rate swaps						$ 1,500
2.00% Notes, due 2020
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		2.00%	2.00%	2.00%		2.00%
2.55% Notes, due 2022
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		2.55%	2.55%	2.55%		2.55%
Interest rate swap to 4.125% and 5.125% notes
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Unwounded interest rate swaps		$ 1,500		$ 1,500
Proceeds from unwinding of derivatives		$ 55
4.125% Notes, due 2020
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.125%	4.125%	4.125%
5.125% Notes, due 2019
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.125%	5.125%	5.125%
Designated as hedging instrument | Short-term borrowings | Net investment hedges
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair Value - Liabilities		$ 454		$ 454	439
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swaps | Fair value hedges
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Notional amount		5,500	$ 4,000	5,500	4,000
Amount of hedge ineffectiveness recorded in income			0	0	0
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cash flow hedges
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Notional amount		2,600	$ 3,300	2,600
Minimum length of time over which accumulated gains and losses will be recognized in Cost of products sold			12 months
Maximum length of time over which accumulated gains and losses will be recognized in Cost of products sold			18 months
Not designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Notional amount		14,900	$ 20,100	14,900	$ 14,000
Dispositions held for sale | AMO | Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cash flow hedges
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Notional amount		107		107
Dispositions held for sale | AMO | Not designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Notional amount		$ 1,200		$ 1,200

Financial Instruments, Deriva77

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures - Location of Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair Value - Assets	$ 138	$ 284
Fair Value - Liabilities	298	610
Designated as hedging instrument | Short-term borrowings | Net investment hedges
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair Value - Liabilities		454	$ 439
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		8
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swaps | Post-employment obligations and other long-term liabilities | Fair value hedges
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair Value - Liabilities	93	74
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other prepaid expenses and receivables
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair Value - Assets	21	99
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other accrued liabilities
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair Value - Liabilities	106	15
Not designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other prepaid expenses and receivables
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair Value - Assets	117	177
Not designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other accrued liabilities
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Fair Value - Liabilities	$ 99	$ 67

Financial Instruments, Deriva78

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures - Gain or Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Interest rate swaps | Fair value hedges | Designated as hedging instrument | Interest expense
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Income (expense) and Gain (loss) Reclassified into Income	$ (24)	$ (127)	$ 15
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Not designated as hedging instrument | Net foreign exchange loss (gain)
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Income (expense) and Gain (loss) Reclassified into Income	(64)	8	(77)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cash flow hedges | Designated as hedging instrument
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Gain (loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (loss)	(226)	49	91
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cash flow hedges | Designated as hedging instrument | Cost of products sold
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Income (expense) and Gain (loss) Reclassified into Income	(48)	48	124
Debt | Net investment hedges | Designated as hedging instrument
Gain (loss) on derivatives
Gain (loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (loss)	$ (25)	$ (15)	$ 6

Financial Instruments, Deriva79

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures - Carrying Value and Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Investments	$ 883	$ 2,947
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, receivable position	138	284
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, (payable) position	(298)	(610)
Equity securities
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Investments	797	2,906
Carrying Value
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Total long-term debt	(27,718)	(20,684)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, receivable position	138	276
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, (payable) position	(205)	(82)
Interest rate hedge contracts, receivable position		8
Interest rate hedge contract, (payable) position	(93)	(74)
Carrying Value | Equity securities
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Investments	797	2,906
Carrying Value | Other
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Investments	86	41
Fair Value
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Total long-term debt	(29,018)	(21,147)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, receivable position	138	276
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, (payable) position	(205)	(82)
Interest rate hedge contracts, receivable position		8
Interest rate hedge contract, (payable) position	(93)	(74)
Fair Value | Equity securities
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Investments	797	2,906
Fair Value | Other
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Investments	$ 86	$ 42

Financial Instruments, Deriva80

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures - Bases of Measurement (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Fair Value - Assets		$ 138		$ 284
Fair Value - Liabilities		298		610
Long-term Investments		883		2,947
Available-for-sale equity securities in an unrealized loss position
Proceeds from the sale of Mylan N.V. shares		2,704	$ 2,290
Maximum
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Contingent consideration related to business combinations		525
Recurring
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Trading Securities, Equity		374		2,676
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments, assets				8
Total Assets		512		2,960
Fair value of hedged long-term debt		3,898		5,413
Interest rate swap financial instruments, liabilities		93		74
Contingent consideration related to business combinations		120		136
Total Liabilities		4,316		5,705
Recurring | Foreign currency exchange contracts
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Fair Value - Assets		138		276
Fair Value - Liabilities		205		82
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Trading Securities, Equity		374		2,676
Total Assets		374		2,676
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments, assets				8
Total Assets		138		284
Fair value of hedged long-term debt		3,898		5,413
Interest rate swap financial instruments, liabilities		93		74
Total Liabilities		4,196		5,569
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs | Foreign currency exchange contracts
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Fair Value - Assets		138		276
Fair Value - Liabilities		205		82
Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Contingent consideration related to business combinations		120		136
Total Liabilities		120		136
Equity securities
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Long-term Investments		$ 797		$ 2,906
Equity securities | Mylan N. V. (Investee)
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Number of shares in investment sold	40,250	69,750
Available-for-sale equity securities in an unrealized loss position
Proceeds from the sale of Mylan N.V. shares	$ 2,290	$ 2,704

Litigation and Environmental 81

Litigation and Environmental Matters (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Loss Contingencies
Maximum expected cleanup exposure for individual site	$ 4
Maximum expected cleanup exposure in aggregate	10
Other legal proceedings and environmental exposures
Loss Contingencies
Recorded reserve balance for legal proceedings and exposures	135
Other legal proceedings and environmental exposures | Minimum
Loss Contingencies
Other legal proceedings or environmental exposure	115
Other legal proceedings and environmental exposures | Maximum
Loss Contingencies
Other legal proceedings or environmental exposure	$ 160

Post-Employment Benefits - Bene

Post-Employment Benefits - Benefit Obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Plan assets at fair value:
Plan assets at fair value, balance at the beginning of the period	$ 7,958
Plan assets at fair value, balance at the end of the period	9,717	$ 7,958
Projected benefit obligations greater than plan assets
Long-term liabilities	(2,169)	(2,154)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss):
Projected benefit obligations	3,000	2,500
Accumulated benefit obligations	8,900	7,400
The aggregate accumulated benefit obligations, the projected benefit obligations and the aggregate plan assets
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,664	1,485
Projected benefit obligation	1,892	1,697
Fair value of plan assets	696	653
Defined Benefit Plans
Projected benefit obligations:
Projected benefit obligations, balance at the beginning of the period	8,517	7,820
Service cost - benefits earned during the year	283	263	$ 307
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations	287	288	314
(Gains) losses, primarily changes in discount rates, plan design changes, law changes and differences between actual and estimated health care costs	752	645
Benefits paid	(276)	(242)
Other, including foreign currency translation	390	(257)
Projected benefit obligations, balance at the end of the period	9,953	8,517	7,820
Plan assets at fair value:
Plan assets at fair value, balance at the beginning of the period	7,542	6,772
Actual return on plans' assets	1,107	631
Company contributions	645	582
Benefits paid	(276)	(242)
Other, including foreign currency translation	280	(201)
Plan assets at fair value, balance at the end of the period	9,298	7,542	6,772
Projected benefit obligations greater than plan assets
Projected benefit obligations greater than plan assets, December 31	(655)	(975)
Long-term assets	563	340
Short-term liabilities	(21)	(18)
Long-term liabilities	(1,197)	(1,297)
Net liability	(655)	(975)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss):
Actuarial losses, net	3,466	3,301
Prior service cost (credits)	(9)
Total	3,457	3,301
Medical and Dental Plans
Projected benefit obligations:
Projected benefit obligations, balance at the beginning of the period	1,274	1,262
Service cost - benefits earned during the year	25	26	33
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations	45	43	52
(Gains) losses, primarily changes in discount rates, plan design changes, law changes and differences between actual and estimated health care costs	149	13
Benefits paid	(80)	(71)
Other, including foreign currency translation	(20)	1
Projected benefit obligations, balance at the end of the period	1,393	1,274	1,262
Plan assets at fair value:
Plan assets at fair value, balance at the beginning of the period	416	441
Actual return on plans' assets	65	28
Company contributions	12	10
Benefits paid	(74)	(63)
Plan assets at fair value, balance at the end of the period	419	416	$ 441
Projected benefit obligations greater than plan assets
Projected benefit obligations greater than plan assets, December 31	(974)	(858)
Short-term liabilities	(2)	(1)
Long-term liabilities	(972)	(857)
Net liability	(974)	(858)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss):
Actuarial losses, net	456	373
Prior service cost (credits)	(208)	(254)
Total	$ 248	$ 119

Post-Employment Benefits - Expe

Post-Employment Benefits - Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost
Service cost - benefits earned during the year	$ 283	$ 263	$ 307
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations	287	288	314
Expected return on plans' assets	(613)	(565)	(511)
Amortization of actuarial losses	163	129	184
Amortization of prior service cost (credits)	1		1
Net cost	121	115	295
Net actuarial losses (gains), net of any prior service credits	(247)	(571)	37
Pretax amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), expected to be recognized in the net period benefit cost in 2017
Pretax amount of actuarial losses expected to recognized in the net periodic benefit cost in 2018	213
Pretax amount of prior service cost (credits) expected to recognized in the net periodic benefit cost in 2018	1
Defined Benefit Plans | Discontinued operations
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost
Net cost			3
Defined Benefit Plans | Continuing operations
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost
Net cost	121	115	292
Medical and Dental Plans
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost
Service cost - benefits earned during the year	25	26	33
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations	45	43	52
Expected return on plans' assets	(33)	(35)	(39)
Amortization of actuarial losses	23	16	23
Amortization of prior service cost (credits)	(45)	(45)	(48)
Net cost	15	5	21
Net actuarial losses (gains), net of any prior service credits	(97)	(20)	116
Pretax amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), expected to be recognized in the net period benefit cost in 2017
Pretax amount of actuarial losses expected to recognized in the net periodic benefit cost in 2018	31
Pretax amount of prior service cost (credits) expected to recognized in the net periodic benefit cost in 2018	45
Medical and Dental Plans | Continuing operations
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost
Net cost	15	$ 5	$ 21
AMO
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost
Curtailment gain related to sale of AMO	$ 10

Post-Employment Benefits - Assu

Post-Employment Benefits - Assumptions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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	$ 179
Decrease in accumulated post employment benefit obligations due to a one percentage point decrease in the assumed health care cost	(150)
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	11
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	$ (9)
Defined benefit plans and medical and dental plans
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.40%	3.90%	4.30%
Expected aggregate average long-term change in compensation (as a percent)	4.40%	4.30%	4.40%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine the net cost
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.90%	4.30%	3.90%
Expected return on plan assets (as a percent)	7.60%	7.60%	7.40%
Expected aggregate average long-term change in compensation (as a percent)	4.30%	4.30%	4.30%
Medical and Dental Plans
Assumed health care cost trend rates
Health care cost trend rate assumed for the next year (as a percent)	9.00%	8.00%	8.00%
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	2,027	2,027	2,028

Post-Employment Benefits - Asse

Post-Employment Benefits - Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	$ 9,717	$ 7,958
Unfunded commitments	489	337
U.S. large cap
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	2,506	1,889
U.S. mid and small cap
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	670	549
International
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	1,937	1,345
U.S. government securities
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	510	437
Corporate debt instruments
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	930	813
Non-U.S. government securities
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	625	514
Other
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	216	183
Absolute return funds
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	1,814	1,891
Commodities
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	60	84
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	178	100
Other.
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	271	153
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	2,878	2,297
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | U.S. large cap
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	1,600	1,284
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | U.S. mid and small cap
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	243	183
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | International
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	448	356
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | U.S. government securities
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	11	5
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | Corporate debt instruments
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	107	100
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | Non-U.S. government securities
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	222	175
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | Other
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	93	80
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | Absolute return funds
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	135	106
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	12	8
Quoted Prices in Active Markets | Other.
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	7
Significant Other Observable Inputs
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	724	626
Significant Other Observable Inputs | U.S. government securities
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	286	258
Significant Other Observable Inputs | Corporate debt instruments
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	411	348
Significant Other Observable Inputs | Other
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	27	20
Significant Unobservable Inputs
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	4	12
Significant Unobservable Inputs | Commodities
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	4	12
Measured at NAV
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	6,111	5,023
Measured at NAV | U.S. large cap
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	906	605
Measured at NAV | U.S. mid and small cap
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	427	366
Measured at NAV | International
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	1,489	989
Measured at NAV | U.S. government securities
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	213	174
Measured at NAV | Corporate debt instruments
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	412	365
Measured at NAV | Non-U.S. government securities
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	403	339
Measured at NAV | Other
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	96	83
Measured at NAV | Absolute return funds
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	1,679	1,785
Measured at NAV | Commodities
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	56	72
Measured at NAV | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	166	92
Measured at NAV | Other.
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Defined benefit plans' assets at fair value	$ 264	$ 153
Equities | Minimum
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Redemption notice period	7 days
Equities | Maximum
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Redemption notice period	30 days
Fixed Income Securities
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Maximum amount of fund with redemption limit to 25%	$ 100
Maximum redemption fund percentage	25.00%
Fixed Income Securities | Minimum
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Redemption notice period	2 days
Fixed Income Securities | Maximum
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Redemption notice period	14 days
Absolute return funds and commodity | Minimum
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Redemption notice period	5 days
Absolute return funds and commodity | Maximum
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Redemption notice period	45 days

Post-Employment Benefits - Fund

Post-Employment Benefits - Funding and Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Total benefit payments expected to be paid to participants
Contribution to Abbott Stock Retirement Plan, defined contribution plan	$ 79	$ 83	$ 81
Defined Benefit Plans
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Company contributions	645	582
Defined benefit plan, expected contributions in future	114
Total benefit payments expected to be paid to participants
2,018	278
2,019	289
2,020	307
2,021	324
2,022	344
2023 to 2027	2,032
Medical and Dental Plans
Defined benefit plans disclosures
Company contributions	12	$ 10
Total benefit payments expected to be paid to participants
2,018	68
2,019	71
2,020	74
2,021	77
2,022	79
2023 to 2027	$ 421

Taxes on Earnings from Contin87

Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations - US Tax Reform (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Taxes on Earnings
Federal corporate tax rate (in percent)	21.00%		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Net tax expense by impact of TCJA		$ 1,460
Income tax charge relating to transition tax		2,890
Income tax benefit on remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities		1,420
Income tax benefit by other impacts of TCJA		$ 10
Favorable resolution of various tax positions and other unusual provision items				$ (225)
AMO | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Taxes on Earnings
Tax expense (benefit) on gain or loss on sale of business			$ 435
Mylan N. V. (Investee) | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Taxes on Earnings
Tax expense (benefit) on gain or loss on sale of business					$ 71

Taxes on Earnings from Contin88

Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations - Earnings and Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Taxes:
Domestic	$ 308	$ 306	$ 789
Foreign	1,923	1,107	2,394
Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Taxes	2,231	1,413	3,183
Current:
Domestic, current tax	2,260	71	64
Foreign, current tax	508	406	220
Total current taxes	2,768	477	284
Deferred:
Domestic, deferred tax	(679)	(147)	313
Foreign, deferred tax	(211)	20	(20)
Total deferred taxes	(890)	(127)	293
Total	$ 1,878	$ 350	$ 577

Taxes on Earnings from Contin89

Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations - Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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)	21.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Impact of foreign operations (as a percent)		(16.30%)	(17.80%)	(18.20%)
Impact of TCJA (as a percent)		65.50%
Excess tax benefits related to stock compensation (as a percent)		(5.40%)
Research tax credit (as a percent)		(1.90%)	(1.80%)	(0.60%)
Resolution of certain tax positions pertaining to prior years (as a percent)			(16.10%)
Mylan share adjustment (as a percent)			25.50%
State taxes, net of federal benefit (as a percent)		0.50%	(1.30%)	0.30%
Federal tax cost on sale of Mylan N.V. shares (as a percent)		3.40%		2.20%
All other, net (as a percent)		3.40%	1.30%	(0.60%)
Effective tax rate on earnings from continuing operations (as a percent)		84.20%	24.80%	18.10%

Taxes on Earnings from Contin90

Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets:
Compensation and employee benefits	$ 881	$ 1,061
Other, primarily reserves not currently deductible, and NOL's and credit carryforwards	2,795	2,384
Trade receivable reserves	185	207
Inventory reserves	152	157
Deferred intercompany profit	249	231
State income taxes	62	164
Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	4,324	4,204
Valuation allowance	(1,355)	(189)
Total deferred tax assets	2,969	4,015
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	(200)	(152)
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries		(175)
Other, primarily the excess of book basis over tax basis of intangible assets	(3,385)	(2,018)
Total deferred tax liabilities	3,585	2,345
Total net deferred tax assets		$ 1,670
Total net deferred tax liabilities	$ (616)

Taxes on Earnings from Contin91

Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 972	$ 1,438
Increase in tax positions due to acquisitions	479
Increase due to current year tax positions	187	145
Increase due to prior year tax positions	76	101
Decrease due to prior year tax positions	(176)	(703)
Settlements	(57)	(9)
Lapse of statute	(41)
Balance at the end of the period	1,440	$ 972
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	1,360
Minimum
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Decrease reasonably possible in gross unrecognized tax benefits	150
Maximum
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Decrease reasonably possible in gross unrecognized tax benefits	$ 300

Segment and Geographical Area I

Segment and Geographical Area Information - Sales and Earnings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers	$ 7,589	$ 6,829	$ 6,637	$ 6,335	$ 5,333	$ 5,302	$ 5,333	$ 4,885	$ 27,390	$ 20,853	$ 20,405
Operating Earnings									1,726	3,185	2,867
Other
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									1,651	2,386	2,272
Total Reportable Segments
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									25,739	18,467	18,133
Operating Earnings									6,625	4,614	4,631
Total Reportable Segments | Established Pharmaceutical Products
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									4,287	3,859	3,720
Operating Earnings									848	723	658
Total Reportable Segments | Nutritional Products
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									6,925	6,899	6,975
Operating Earnings									1,589	1,660	1,741
Total Reportable Segments | Diagnostic Products
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									5,616	4,813	4,646
Operating Earnings									1,468	1,194	1,171
Total Reportable Segments | Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									8,911	2,896	2,792
Operating Earnings									$ 2,720	$ 1,037	$ 1,061

Segment and Geographical Area93

Segment and Geographical Area Information - Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Operating Earnings	$ 1,726	$ 3,185	$ 2,867
Amortization of intangible assets	(1,975)	(550)	(601)
Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Taxes	2,231	1,413	3,183
Mylan N.V. equity investment adjustment		947
Foreign currency exchange loss on remeasurement		480
Gain on sale of Mylan shares	45		207
Venezuela
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Foreign currency exchange loss on remeasurement		480
Total Reportable Segments
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Operating Earnings	6,625	4,614	4,631
Corporate functions
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Corporate functions and benefit plans costs	(506)	(411)	(416)
Reconciling items
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Non-reportable segments	306	304	268
Net interest expense	(780)	(332)	(58)
Share-based compensation	(406)	(310)	(291)
Amortization of intangible assets	(1,975)	(550)	(601)
Other, net	(1,033)	(1,902)	(350)
Mylan N.V. equity investment adjustment		947
Separation related costs and cost reduction initiatives and integration	$ 384	167	310
Gain on sale of Mylan shares			$ 207
Reconciling items | Venezuela
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Foreign currency exchange loss on remeasurement		$ 480

Segment and Geographical Area94

Segment and Geographical Area Information - Depreciation and Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Depreciation	$ 1,046	$ 803	$ 871
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	1,135	1,121	1,110
Total Assets	76,250	52,666	41,247
Segment assets:
Total Assets	76,250	52,666	41,247
Other
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Depreciation	194	236	247
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	227	370	508
Non-reportable segment
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Total Assets	740	1,280	1,267
Segment assets:
Total Assets	740	1,280	1,267
Total Reportable Segments
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Depreciation	852	567	624
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	908	751	602
Total Assets	15,188	10,045	9,777
Segment assets:
Total Assets	15,188	10,045	9,777
Total Reportable Segments | Established Pharmaceutical Products
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Depreciation	90	71	83
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	181	150	112
Total Assets	2,728	2,486	2,210
Segment assets:
Total Assets	2,728	2,486	2,210
Total Reportable Segments | Nutritional Products
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Depreciation	164	160	157
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	147	199	139
Total Assets	3,160	3,189	3,187
Segment assets:
Total Assets	3,160	3,189	3,187
Total Reportable Segments | Diagnostic Products
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Depreciation	300	267	310
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	374	379	319
Total Assets	4,226	2,945	2,844
Segment assets:
Total Assets	4,226	2,945	2,844
Total Reportable Segments | Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Depreciation	298	69	74
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	206	23	32
Total Assets	5,074	1,425	1,536
Segment assets:
Total Assets	5,074	1,425	1,536
Reconciling items
Segment assets:
Cash and investments	10,493	21,722	10,166
Goodwill and intangible assets	45,493	12,222	15,200
All other	$ 4,336	$ 7,397	$ 4,837

Segment and Geographic Area I95

Segment and Geographic Area Information - Geographic Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers	$ 7,589	$ 6,829	$ 6,637	$ 6,335	$ 5,333	$ 5,302	$ 5,333	$ 4,885	$ 27,390	$ 20,853	$ 20,405
Long-lived assets	8,900				6,600				8,900	6,600
United States
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									9,673	6,486	6,270
Long-lived assets	$ 4,500				$ 3,100				4,500	3,100
China
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									2,146	1,728	1,796
Germany
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									1,366	1,044	1,004
Japan
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									1,255	924	895
India
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									1,237	1,114	1,053
The Netherlands
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									929	830	855
Switzerland
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									841	766	784
Russia
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									664	554	483
France
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									628	352	375
Brazil
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									541	410	381
Italy
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									507	365	383
United Kingdom
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									498	377	430
Colombia
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									494	424	388
Canada
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									443	408	428
Vietnam
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									427	434	331
All Other Countries
Segment and Geographical Area Information
Net Sales to External Customers									$ 5,741	$ 4,637	$ 4,549

Quarterly Results (Unaudited)96

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net Sales	$ 7,589	$ 6,829	$ 6,637	$ 6,335	$ 5,333	$ 5,302	$ 5,333	$ 4,885	$ 27,390	$ 20,853	$ 20,405
Gross Profit	3,766	3,471	3,072	2,769	2,900	2,877	2,901	2,601
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations	$ (864)	$ 561	$ 270	$ 386	$ 765	$ (357)	$ 599	$ 56	$ 353	$ 1,063	$ 2,606
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share	$ (0.50)	$ 0.32	$ 0.15	$ 0.22	$ 0.51	$ (0.24)	$ 0.40	$ 0.04	$ 0.20	$ 0.71	$ 1.73
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share	$ (0.50)	$ 0.32	$ 0.15	$ 0.22	$ 0.51	$ (0.24)	$ 0.40	$ 0.04	$ 0.20	$ 0.71	$ 1.72
Net Earnings (Loss)	$ (828)	$ 603	$ 283	$ 419	$ 798	$ (329)	$ 615	$ 316	$ 477	$ 1,400	$ 4,423
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.48)	$ 0.34	$ 0.16	$ 0.24	$ 0.54	$ (0.22)	$ 0.41	$ 0.21	$ 0.27	$ 0.94	$ 2.94
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	(0.48)	0.34	0.16	0.24	0.53	(0.22)	0.41	0.21	0.27	0.94	$ 2.92
Maximum
Market Price Per Share	57.77	54.80	49.59	45.84	43.78	45.79	44.58	44.05	57.77	43.78
Minimum
Market Price Per Share	$ 53.20	$ 47.83	$ 42.31	$ 38.34	$ 37.38	$ 39.16	$ 36.76	$ 36	$ 53.20	$ 37.38