Abbott Laboratories (ABT) 10-Q 7 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ABBOTT LABORATORIES
Entity Central Index Key	'0000001800
Document Type	'10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14
Amendment Flag	'false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	1,501,938,538
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings	'	'
Net sales	$5,244	$5,378
Cost of products sold, excluding amortization of intangible assets	2,470	2,432
Amortization of intangible assets	174	199
Research and development	387	346
Selling, general and administrative	1,762	1,786
Total operating cost and expenses	4,793	4,763
Operating earnings	451	615
Interest expense	39	41
Interest (income)	-16	-15
Net foreign exchange loss (gain)	2	29
Other (income) expense, net	3	6
Earnings from continuing operations before taxes	423	554
Taxes on earnings from continuing operations	84	10
Earnings from continuing operations	339	544
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	36	'
Net Earnings	$375	$544
Basic Earnings Per Common Share	'	'
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.22	$0.35
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.02	'
Net earnings (in dollars per share)	$0.24	$0.35
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	'	'
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.22	$0.34
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.02	'
Net earnings (in dollars per share)	$0.24	$0.34
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$0.22	$0.14
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Used for Basic Earnings Per Common Share (in shares)	1,532,810	1,568,730
Dilutive Common Stock Options and Awards (in shares)	14,881	17,288
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Plus Dilutive Common Stock Options and Awards (in shares)	1,547,691	1,586,018
Outstanding Common Stock Options Having No Dilutive Effect (in shares)	4,421	5,518

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income	'	'	'
Net earnings	$375	$544	'
Less: Earnings from discontinued operations	36	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations	339	544	'
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain adjustments	62	-391	'
Net actuarial gains (losses) and amortization of net actuarial (losses) and prior service (cost) and credits, net of taxes of $8 in 2014 and $(26) in 2013	16	-41	'
Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities, net of taxes of $0 in 2014 and 2013	'	1	'
Net adjustments for derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $0 in 2014 and $(5) in 2013	'	-21	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations	78	-452	'
Comprehensive income from continuing operations	417	92	'
Comprehensive income from discontinued operations	36	'	'
Comprehensive Income	453	92	'
Supplemental Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information, net of tax:	'	'	'
Cumulative foreign currency translation (loss) adjustments	-656	'	-718
Net actuarial (losses) and prior service (cost) and credits	-1,296	'	-1,312
Cumulative unrealized gains on marketable equity securities	13	'	13
Cumulative gains on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	$5	'	$5

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income	'	'
Net actuarial gains (losses) and amortization of net actuarial (losses) and prior service (cost) and credits, taxes	$8	($26)
Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities, taxes	0	0
Net adjustments for derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, taxes	$0	($5)

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,060	$3,475
Investments, primarily bank time deposits and U.S. treasury bills	4,987	4,623
Trade receivables, less allowances of $324 in 2014 and $312 in 2013	3,883	3,986
Inventories:	'	'
Finished products	1,921	1,866
Work in process	322	349
Materials	532	478
Total inventories	2,775	2,693
Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables	3,977	4,032
Current assets held for disposition	249	438
Total Current Assets	17,931	19,247
Investments	122	119
Property and equipment, at cost	13,005	12,870
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	7,057	6,965
Net property and equipment	5,948	5,905
Intangible assets, net of amortization	5,613	5,735
Goodwill	9,781	9,772
Deferred income taxes and other assets	2,214	2,109
Non-current assets held for disposition	53	66
Total Assets	41,662	42,953
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Short-term borrowings	4,370	3,164
Trade accounts payable	1,074	1,026
Salaries, wages and commissions	681	906
Other accrued liabilities	3,401	3,500
Dividends payable	331	341
Income taxes payable	152	175
Current portion of long-term debt	8	9
Current liabilities held for disposition	169	386
Total Current Liabilities	10,186	9,507
Long-term debt	3,387	3,388
Post-employment obligations, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities	4,599	4,784
Non-current liabilities held for disposition	1	7
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Shareholders' Investment:	'	'
Preferred shares, one dollar par value Authorized - 1,000,000 shares, none issued	'	'
Common shares, without par value Authorized - 2,400,000,000 shares Issued at stated capital amount - Shares: 2014: 1,689,594,829; 2013: 1,685,827,096	12,032	12,048
Common shares held in treasury, at cost - Shares: 2014: 187,656,291; 2013: 137,728,810	-8,713	-6,844
Earnings employed in the business	22,005	21,979
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,934	-2,012
Total Abbott Shareholders' Investment	23,390	25,171
Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries	99	96
Total Shareholders' Investment	23,489	25,267
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment	$41,662	$42,953

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	'	'
Trade receivables, allowances (in dollars)	$324	$312
Preferred shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred shares, Authorized shares	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred shares, issued shares	0	0
Common shares, Authorized shares	2,400,000,000	2,400,000,000
Common shares, Issued shares	1,689,594,829	1,685,827,096
Common shares held in treasury, shares	187,656,291	137,728,810

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash Flow From (Used in) Operating Activities:	'	'
Net earnings	$375	$544
Adjustments to reconcile earnings to net cash from operating activities -	'	'
Depreciation	224	222
Amortization of intangibles	174	199
Share-based compensation	119	126
Trade receivables	82	-10
Inventories	-90	-132
Other, net	-548	-489
Net Cash From Operating Activities	336	460
Cash Flow From (Used in) Investing Activities:	'	'
Acquisitions of property and equipment	-255	-274
Purchases of investment securities, net	-367	-1,834
Other	27	'
Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities	-595	-2,108
Cash Flow From (Used in) Financing Activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt and other	1,213	2,248
Transfer of cash and cash equivalents to AbbVie Inc.	'	-5,901
Purchases of common shares	-2,192	-925
Proceeds from stock options exercised, including income tax benefit	170	69
Dividends paid	-343	-224
Net Cash (Used in) Financing Activities	-1,152	-4,733
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-4	-48
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-1,415	-6,429
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year	3,475	10,802
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	$2,060	$4,373

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1 — Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and, therefore, do not include all information and footnote disclosures normally included in audited financial statements.  However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal adjustments) necessary to present fairly the results of operations, financial position and cash flows have been made.  It is suggested that these statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in Abbott’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany transactions.

Separation_of_AbbVie_Inc

Separation of AbbVie Inc.	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Separation of AbbVie Inc.	'
Separation of AbbVie Inc.	'
	Note 2 — Separation of AbbVie Inc.
	On January 1, 2013, Abbott completed the separation of AbbVie Inc. (AbbVie), which was formed to hold Abbott’s research-based proprietary pharmaceuticals business. Abbott and AbbVie entered into transitional services agreements prior to the separation pursuant to which Abbott and AbbVie are providing to each other, on an interim transitional basis, various services.  Transition services may be provided for up to 24 months with an option for a one-year extension by the recipient.  Services being provided by Abbott include certain information technology and back office support.  Billings by Abbott under these transitional services agreements are recorded as a reduction of the costs to provide the respective service in the applicable expense category in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings.  This transitional support will enable AbbVie to establish its stand-alone processes for various activities that were previously provided by Abbott and does not constitute significant continuing support of AbbVie’s operations.
	For a small portion of AbbVie’s operations, the legal transfer of AbbVie’s assets (net of liabilities) did not occur with the separation of AbbVie on January 1, 2013 due to the time required to transfer marketing authorizations and other regulatory requirements in each of these countries.  Under the terms of the separation agreement with Abbott, AbbVie is subject to the risks and entitled to the benefits generated by these operations and assets.  The majority of these operations were transferred to AbbVie in 2013 with the remainder expected to be transferred in 2014.  These assets and liabilities have been presented as held for disposition in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.  At March 31, 2014, the assets and liabilities held for disposition consist of trade accounts receivable of $127 million, inventories of $102 million, equipment of $17 million, other assets of $56 million, trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $152 million and other liabilities of $18 million. Abbott’s obligation to transfer the net assets held for disposition to AbbVie of $132 million is included in Other accrued liabilities.
	Abbott has retained all liabilities for all U.S. federal and foreign income taxes on income prior to the separation, as well as certain non-income taxes attributable to AbbVie’s business.  AbbVie generally will be liable for all other taxes attributable to its business.
	Earnings from discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2014 reflect the recognition of $36 million of net tax benefits primarily as a result of the resolution of various tax positions related to AbbVie’s operations for years prior to the separation.

Supplemental_Financial_Informa

Supplemental Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Financial Information	'
Supplemental Financial Information	'
	Note 3 — Supplemental Financial Information
	Shares of unvested restricted stock that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are treated as participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method.  Under the two-class method, net earnings are allocated between common shares and participating securities. Earnings from Continuing Operations allocated to common shares for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were $337 million and $541 million, respectively.  Net earnings allocated to common shares for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were $373 million and $541 million, respectively.
	Other, net use of cash in Net cash from operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the first three months of 2014 and 2013 includes the effects of contributions to defined benefit plans of $312 million and $208 million, respectively, and to the post-employment medical and dental benefit plans of $40 million in each quarter, as well as the non-cash impact in the first quarter of 2014 of approximately $110 million of tax benefits from the resolution of various tax positions pertaining to prior years.
	The components of long-term investments as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:
		March 31,		December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014		2013
	Equity securities	$	91	$	93
	Other	31		26
	Total	$	122	$	119

Other_Comprehensive_Income

Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income	'
Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Note 4 — Other Comprehensive Income
	The components of the changes in other comprehensive income from continuing operations, net of income taxes, are as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31
		Cumulative Foreign						Net Actuarial						Cumulative						Cumulative Gains
		Currency Translation						Losses and Prior						Unrealized Gains						on Derivative
		Adjustments						Service Costs and						on Marketable						Instruments
								Credits						Equity Securities						Designated as Cash
																				Flow Hedges
	(in millions)	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Balance at December 31, 2013 and 2012	$	(718	)	$	(79	)	$	(1,312	)	$	(3,596	)	$	13		$	31		$	5		$	50
	Separation of AbbVie (a)	—			(307		)	—			1,451			—			—			—			9
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	62			(391		)	—			(69		)	1			7			(1		)	(18		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (a)	—			—			16			28			(1		)	(6		)	1			(3		)
	Net current period comprehensive income from continuing operations	62			(391		)	16			(41		)	—			1			—			(21		)
	Balance at March 31	$	(656	)	$	(777	)	$	(1,296	)	$	(2,186	)	$	13		$	32		$	5		$	38
	(a) Prior year amounts have been appropriately revised to reflect a reclassification between Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment and Net actuarial losses and prior service costs and credits.
	(b) Reclassified amounts for foreign currency translation are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings as Net foreign exchange loss (gain); gains on marketable equity securities as Other (income) expense, net and cash flow hedges as Cost of products sold.  Net actuarial losses and prior service cost is included as a component of net periodic benefit plan costs; see Note 11 for additional details.

Business_Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Acquisitions	'
Business Acquisitions	'
	Note 5 — Business Acquisitions
	In August 2013, Abbott acquired 100 percent of IDEV Technologies, net of debt, for $310 million, in cash. The acquisition of IDEV Technologies expands Abbott’s endovascular portfolio. The final allocation of the fair value at the date of acquisition resulted in non-deductible acquired in-process research and development of approximately $170 million which is accounted for as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until regulatory approval or discontinuation; non-deductible definite-lived intangible assets of approximately $66 million; non-deductible goodwill of approximately $112 million; and net deferred tax liabilities of $47 million. Acquired intangible assets consist of developed technology and are being amortized over 11 years.
	In August 2013, Abbott acquired 100 percent of OptiMedica for $260 million, in cash, plus additional payments up to $150 million to be made upon completion of certain development, regulatory and sales milestones. The acquisition of OptiMedica provides Abbott with an immediate entry point into the laser assisted cataract surgery market.  The final allocation of the fair value at the date of acquisition resulted in non-deductible definite-lived intangible assets of approximately $160 million; non-deductible acquired in-process research and development of approximately $60 million which is accounted for as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until regulatory approval or discontinuation; non-deductible goodwill of approximately $130 million; net deferred tax liabilities of $49 million; and contingent consideration of approximately $70 million.  The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined based on an independent appraisal. Acquired intangible assets consist of developed technology and are being amortized over 18 years.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Note 6 — Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The total amount of goodwill reported was $9.781 billion at March 31, 2014 and $9.772 billion at December 31, 2013. Foreign currency translation adjustments increased goodwill by approximately $35 million, while purchase price allocation adjustments associated with recent acquisitions decreased goodwill by approximately $26 million.  The amount of goodwill related to reportable segments at March 31, 2014 was $3.0 billion for the Established Pharmaceutical Products segment, $286 million for the Nutritional Products segment, $444 million for the Diagnostic Products segment, and $3.1 billion for the Vascular Products segment.  There was no reduction of goodwill relating to impairments.
	The gross amount of amortizable intangible assets, primarily product rights and technology was $12.4 billion as of March 31, 2014 and $12.2 billion as of December 31, 2013, and accumulated amortization was $6.9 billion as of March 31, 2014 and $6.8 billion as of December 31, 2013.  Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which relate to in-process research and development acquired in a business combination, was approximately $114 million at March 31, 2014 and $266 million at December 31, 2013. The change reflects the movement of an IDEV-related intangible asset, Supera, to amortizable assets due to the receipt of regulatory approval in the first quarter of 2014.  Abbott’s estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets is approximately $655 million in 2014, $615 million in 2015, $590 million in 2016, $575 million in 2017 and $500 million in 2018.  Amortizable intangible assets are amortized over 2 to 20 years (weighted average 11 years).

Restructuring_Plans

Restructuring Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring Plans	'
Restructuring Plans	'
	Note 7 — Restructuring Plans
	In the first quarter of 2014, Abbott management approved plans to streamline various operations in order to reduce costs and improve efficiencies in Abbott’s vascular, diagnostics and nutritional businesses. Abbott recorded employee related severance and other charges of approximately $80 million in 2014. Approximately $17 million is recognized in Cost of products sold, $41 million is recognized in Research and development and approximately $22 million is recognized in Selling, general and administrative expense.  The following summarizes the activity for these restructurings:
	(in millions)
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2014	$	80
	Payments and other adjustments	(4		)
	Accrued balance at March 31, 2014	$	76
	In 2014 and 2013, Abbott management approved plans to reduce costs and improve efficiencies across various functional areas. In 2013, Abbott management also approved plans to streamline certain manufacturing operations in order to reduce costs and improve efficiencies in Abbott’s established pharmaceuticals business. In 2012, Abbott management approved plans to streamline various commercial operations in order to reduce costs and improve efficiencies in Abbott’s core diagnostics, established pharmaceuticals and nutritionals businesses. Additional charges of approximately $25 million were recognized in 2014 of which approximately $2 million is recorded in Cost of products sold and approximately $23 million as Selling, general and administrative expense. The following summarizes the activity for the first three months of 2014 related to these restructuring actions and the status of the related accrual as of March 31, 2014:
	(in millions)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2013	$	148
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2014	25
	Payments and other adjustments	(28		)
	Accrued balance at March 31, 2014	$	145
	In 2013 and prior years, Abbott management approved plans to realign its vascular manufacturing operations in order to reduce costs. The following summarizes the activity for the first three months of 2014 related to these restructuring actions and the status of the related accrual as of March 31, 2014:
	(in millions)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2013	$	20
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2014	—
	Payments and other adjustments	—
	Accrued balance at March 31, 2014	$	20
	In 2011 and 2008, Abbott management approved plans to streamline global manufacturing operations, reduce overall costs, and improve efficiencies in Abbott’s core diagnostics business. The following summarizes the activity for the first three months of 2014 related to these restructuring actions and the status of the related accrual as of March 31, 2014:
	(in millions)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2013	$	41
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2014	—
	Payments and other adjustments	(3		)
	Accrued balance at March 31, 2014	$	38

Incentive_Stock_Programs

Incentive Stock Programs	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Incentive Stock Programs	'
Incentive Stock Programs	'
	Note 8 — Incentive Stock Programs
	In the first three months of 2014, Abbott granted 3,659,969 stock options, 545,716 restricted stock awards and 5,248,937 restricted stock units under its incentive stock programs.  At March 31, 2014, approximately 110 million shares were reserved for future grants.  Information regarding the number of options outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Outstanding		Exercisable
	Number of shares	42,297,580		34,724,241
	Weighted average remaining life (years)	4.5		3.5
	Weighted average exercise price	$	27.34	$	25.38
	Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions)	$	480	$	461
	The total unrecognized share-based compensation cost at March 31, 2014 amounted to approximately $264 million which is expected to be recognized over the next three years.

Financial_Instruments_Derivati

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures	'
Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures	'
	Note 9 — 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 $275 million and $137 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, 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.  Accumulated gains and losses as of March 31, 2014 will be included in Cost of products sold at the time the products are sold, generally through the next twelve months.  The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not significant in 2014 and 2013.
	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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Abbott held $11.8 billion and $13.8 billion, respectively, of such foreign currency forward exchange contracts.
	Abbott has designated foreign denominated short-term debt as a hedge of the net investment in a foreign subsidiary of approximately $516 million and approximately $505 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  Accordingly, changes in the reported value of this debt due to changes in exchange rates are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.
	Abbott is a party to interest rate swap contracts totaling approximately $1.5 billion at March 31, 2014 and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2013 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 2014 or 2013 for these hedges.
	The following table summarizes the amounts and location of certain derivative financial instruments as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Fair Value - Assets								Fair Value - Liabilities
	(in millions)	March 31,			Dec. 31,			Balance Sheet Caption		March 31,			Dec. 31,		Balance Sheet Caption
		2014			2013					2014			2013
	Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges	$	98		$	87		Deferred income taxes and other assets		$	—		$	—	Post-employment obligations, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts:
	Hedging instruments	9			14			Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables		—			—		Other accrued liabilities
	Others not designated as hedges	40			70			Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables		56			75		Other accrued liabilities
	Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary	—			—			n/a		516			505		Short-term borrowings
		$	147		$	171				$	572		$	580
	The following table summarizes the activity for foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges, debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary and the amounts and location of income (expense) and gain (loss) reclassified into income in the first three months of 2014 and 2013 and for certain other derivative financial instruments. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not significant in 2014 and 2013 for these hedges.
		Gain (loss) Recognized in						Income (expense) and
		Other Comprehensive						Gain (loss) Reclassified
		Income (loss)						into Income
	(in millions)	2014			2013			2014			2013			Income Statement Caption
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges	$	2		$	17		$	3		$	3		Cost of products sold
	Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary	(11		)	50			—			—			n/a
	Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges	n/a			n/a			11			10			Interest expense
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts not designated as a hedge	n/a			n/a			(13		)	90			Net foreign exchange loss (gain)
	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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are shown in the following table. 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.
		March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	(in millions)	Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Value			Value			Value			Value
	Long-term Investment Securities:
	Equity securities	$	91		$	91		$	93		$	93
	Other	31			26			26			24
	Total Long-term Debt	(3,395		)	(3,918		)	(3,397		)	(3,930		)
	Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:
	Receivable position	49			49			84			84
	(Payable) position	(56		)	(56		)	(75		)	(75		)
	Interest Rate Hedge Contracts:
	Receivable position	98			98			87			87
	The fair value of the debt was determined based on significant other observable inputs, including current interest rates.
	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
	(in millions)	Outstanding			Quoted			Significant			Significant
		Balances			Prices in			Other			Unobservable
					Active			Observable			Inputs
					Markets			Inputs
	March 31, 2014:
	Equity securities	$	24		$	24		$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments	98			—			98			—
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	49			—			49			—
	Total Assets	$	171		$	24		$	147		$	—
	Fair value of hedged long-term debt	$	1,624		$	—		$	1,624		$	—
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	56			—			56			—
	Contingent consideration related to business combinations	72			—			—			72
	Total Liabilities	$	1,752		$	—		$	1,680		$	72
	December 31, 2013:
	Equity securities	$	26		$	26		$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments	87			—			87			—
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	84			—			84			—
	Total Assets	$	197		$	26		$	171		$	—
	Fair value of hedged long-term debt	$	1,623		$	—		$	1,623		$	—
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	75			—			75			—
	Contingent consideration related to business combinations	208			—			—			208
	Total Liabilities	$	1,906		$	—		$	1,698		$	208
The fair value of the debt was determined based on the face value of the debt adjusted for the fair value of the interest rate swaps, which is based on a discounted cash flow analysis. 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 contingent consideration was determined based on an independent appraisal adjusted for the time value of money, exchange, payments and other changes in fair value. The change in contingent consideration from the previous year end primarily reflects the payment of contingent consideration in the first quarter of 2014.

Litigation_and_Environmental_M

Litigation and Environmental Matters	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Litigation and Environmental Matters	'
Litigation and Environmental Matters	'
	Note 10 — Litigation and Environmental Matters
	Abbott has been identified as a potentially responsible party for investigation and cleanup costs at a number of locations in the United States and Puerto Rico under federal and state remediation laws and is investigating potential contamination at a number of company-owned locations. Abbott has recorded an estimated cleanup cost for each site for which management believes Abbott has a probable loss exposure. No individual site cleanup exposure is expected to exceed $4 million, and the aggregate cleanup exposure is not expected to exceed $15 million.
	Abbott is involved in various claims and legal proceedings, and Abbott estimates the range of possible loss for its legal proceedings and environmental exposures to be from approximately $70 million to $90 million. The recorded accrual balance at March 31, 2014 for these proceedings and exposures was approximately $80 million. This accrual represents management’s best estimate of probable loss, as defined by FASB ASC No. 450, “Contingencies.” Within the next year, legal proceedings may occur that may result in a change in the estimated loss accrued by Abbott. While it is not feasible to predict the outcome of all such proceedings and exposures with certainty, management believes that their ultimate disposition should not have a material adverse effect on Abbott’s financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.

PostEmployment_Benefits

Post-Employment Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Post-Employment Benefits	'
Post-Employment Benefits	'
	Note 11 — Post-Employment Benefits
	Retirement plans consist of defined benefit, defined contribution, and medical and dental plans. Net cost recognized in continuing operations for the three months ended March 31 for Abbott’s major defined benefit plans and post-employment medical and dental benefit plans is as follows:
		Defined Benefit Plans						Medical and Dental Plans
	(in millions)	March 31,			March 31,			March 31,			March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost - benefits earned during the period	$	66		$	76		$	9		$	12
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligations	77			66			16			15
	Expected return on plans’ assets	(113		)	(93		)	(10		)	(9		)
	Net amortization of:							—
	Actuarial loss, net	25			40			5			8
	Prior service cost (credit)	1			1			(9		)	(8		)
	Net cost	$	56		$	90		$	11		$	18
	Abbott funds its domestic defined benefit plans according to IRS funding limitations.  International pension plans are funded according to similar regulations.  In the first quarters of 2014 and 2013, $312 million and $208 million, respectively, were contributed to defined benefit plans and $40 million was contributed to the post-employment medical and dental benefit plans in each quarter.

Taxes_on_Earnings

Taxes on Earnings	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Taxes on Earnings	'
Taxes on Earnings	'
	Note 12 — Taxes on Earnings
	Taxes on earnings from continuing operations reflect the estimated annual effective rates and include charges for interest and penalties.  In the first quarter of 2014, taxes on earnings from continuing operations reflect the recognition of $71 million of tax benefits as the result of the favorable resolution of various tax positions pertaining to prior years. Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of tax, in the first quarter of 2014 reflects the recognition of $36 million of net tax benefits primarily as a result of the resolution of various tax positions related to AbbVie’s operations for years prior to the separation. The conclusion of these tax matters decreased the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $102 million. As a result of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 signed into law in January 2013, Abbott recorded a tax benefit to taxes on continuing operations of approximately $103 million in the first quarter of 2013 for the retroactive extension of the research tax credit and the look-through rules of section 954(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code to the beginning of 2012.
	Tax authorities in various jurisdictions regularly review Abbott’s income tax filings.  Abbott believes that it is reasonably possible that the recorded amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by up to $350 million, including cash adjustments, within the next twelve months as a result of concluding various domestic and international tax matters.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Information	'
Segment Information	'
	Note 13 — Segment 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.  Abbott’s reportable segments are as follows:
	Established Pharmaceutical Products — International sales of a broad line of branded generic pharmaceutical products.
	Nutritional Products — Worldwide sales of a broad line of adult and pediatric nutritional products.
	Diagnostic Products — Worldwide sales of diagnostic systems and tests for blood banks, hospitals, commercial laboratories and alternate-care testing sites.  For segment reporting purposes, the Core Laboratories Diagnostics, Molecular Diagnostics, Point of Care and Ibis diagnostic divisions are aggregated and reported as the Diagnostic Products segment.
	VascularProducts — Worldwide sales of coronary, endovascular, structural heart, vessel closure and other medical device products.
	Non-reportable segments include the Diabetes Care and Medical Optics segments.
	Abbott’s underlying accounting records are maintained on a legal entity basis for government and public reporting requirements. Segment disclosures are on a performance basis consistent with internal management reporting. Intersegment transfers of inventory are recorded at standard cost and are not a measure of segment operating earnings. 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.
		Three Months Ended March 31
		Net Sales to				Operating
		External Customers				Earnings
	(in millions)	2014		2013		2014			2013
	Established Pharmaceutical Products	$	1,151	$	1,233	$	230		$	286
	Nutritional Products	1,631		1,699		283			342
	Diagnostic Products	1,117		1,088		222			260
	Vascular Products	738		742		221			188
	Total Reportable Segments	4,637		4,762		956			1,076
	Other	607		616
	Net Sales	$	5,244	$	5,378
	Corporate functions and benefit plans costs					(58		)	(120		)
	Non-reportable segments					63			88
	Net interest expense					(23		)	(26		)
	Share-based compensation (a)					(119		)	(126		)
	Amortization of intangible assets					(174		)	(199		)
	Other, net (b)					(222		)	(139		)
	Earnings from continuing operations before taxes					$	423		$	554
	(a)         Approximately 40 to 45 percent of the annual net cost of share-based awards will typically be recognized in the first quarter due to the timing of the granting of share-based awards.
	(b)         The increase from 2013 to 2014 primarily reflects higher charges for cost reduction initiatives.

Supplemental_Financial_Informa1

Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Financial Information	'
Components of long-term investments	'
		March 31,		December 31,
	(dollars in millions)	2014		2013
	Equity securities	$	91	$	93
	Other	31		26
	Total	$	122	$	119

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income	'
Schedule of the components of the changes in other comprehensive income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	'
		Three Months Ended March 31
		Cumulative Foreign						Net Actuarial						Cumulative						Cumulative Gains
		Currency Translation						Losses and Prior						Unrealized Gains						on Derivative
		Adjustments						Service Costs and						on Marketable						Instruments
								Credits						Equity Securities						Designated as Cash
																				Flow Hedges
	(in millions)	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Balance at December 31, 2013 and 2012	$	(718	)	$	(79	)	$	(1,312	)	$	(3,596	)	$	13		$	31		$	5		$	50
	Separation of AbbVie (a)	—			(307		)	—			1,451			—			—			—			9
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	62			(391		)	—			(69		)	1			7			(1		)	(18		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (a)	—			—			16			28			(1		)	(6		)	1			(3		)
	Net current period comprehensive income from continuing operations	62			(391		)	16			(41		)	—			1			—			(21		)
	Balance at March 31	$	(656	)	$	(777	)	$	(1,296	)	$	(2,186	)	$	13		$	32		$	5		$	38
	(a) Prior year amounts have been appropriately revised to reflect a reclassification between Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment and Net actuarial losses and prior service costs and credits.
	(b) Reclassified amounts for foreign currency translation are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings as Net foreign exchange loss (gain); gains on marketable equity securities as Other (income) expense, net and cash flow hedges as Cost of products sold.  Net actuarial losses and prior service cost is included as a component of net periodic benefit plan costs; see Note 11 for additional details.

Restructuring_Plans_Tables

Restructuring Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring Plan 2014	'
Restructuring costs	'
Schedule of restructuring activity	'
	(in millions)
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2014	$	80
	Payments and other adjustments	(4		)
	Accrued balance at March 31, 2014	$	76
Restructuring Plan 2014 and 2013	'
Restructuring costs	'
Schedule of restructuring activity	'
	(in millions)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2013	$	148
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2014	25
	Payments and other adjustments	(28		)
	Accrued balance at March 31, 2014	$	145
Restructuring Plan 2013 and Prior Years	'
Restructuring costs	'
Schedule of restructuring activity	'
	(in millions)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2013	$	20
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2014	—
	Payments and other adjustments	—
	Accrued balance at March 31, 2014	$	20
Restructuring Plan 2011 and 2008	'
Restructuring costs	'
Schedule of restructuring activity	'
	(in millions)
	Accrued balance at December 31, 2013	$	41
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2014	—
	Payments and other adjustments	(3		)
	Accrued balance at March 31, 2014	$	38

Incentive_Stock_Programs_Table

Incentive Stock Programs (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Incentive Stock Programs	'
Options outstanding and exercisable	'
		Outstanding		Exercisable
	Number of shares	42,297,580		34,724,241
	Weighted average remaining life (years)	4.5		3.5
	Weighted average exercise price	$	27.34	$	25.38
	Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions)	$	480	$	461

Financial_Instruments_Derivati1

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures	'
Summary of the amounts and location of certain derivative financial instruments	'
		Fair Value - Assets								Fair Value - Liabilities
	(in millions)	March 31,			Dec. 31,			Balance Sheet Caption		March 31,			Dec. 31,		Balance Sheet Caption
		2014			2013					2014			2013
	Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges	$	98		$	87		Deferred income taxes and other assets		$	—		$	—	Post-employment obligations, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts:
	Hedging instruments	9			14			Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables		—			—		Other accrued liabilities
	Others not designated as hedges	40			70			Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables		56			75		Other accrued liabilities
	Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary	—			—			n/a		516			505		Short-term borrowings
		$	147		$	171				$	572		$	580
Schedule of derivatives gain (loss) in OCI and earnings	'
		Gain (loss) Recognized in						Income (expense) and
		Other Comprehensive						Gain (loss) Reclassified
		Income (loss)						into Income
	(in millions)	2014			2013			2014			2013			Income Statement Caption
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges	$	2		$	17		$	3		$	3		Cost of products sold
	Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary	(11		)	50			—			—			n/a
	Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges	n/a			n/a			11			10			Interest expense
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts not designated as a hedge	n/a			n/a			(13		)	90			Net foreign exchange loss (gain)
Schedule of carrying values and fair values of certain financial instruments	'
		March 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	(in millions)	Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Value			Value			Value			Value
	Long-term Investment Securities:
	Equity securities	$	91		$	91		$	93		$	93
	Other	31			26			26			24
	Total Long-term Debt	(3,395		)	(3,918		)	(3,397		)	(3,930		)
	Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:
	Receivable position	49			49			84			84
	(Payable) position	(56		)	(56		)	(75		)	(75		)
	Interest Rate Hedge Contracts:
	Receivable position	98			98			87			87
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
					Basis of Fair Value Measurement
	(in millions)	Outstanding			Quoted			Significant			Significant
		Balances			Prices in			Other			Unobservable
					Active			Observable			Inputs
					Markets			Inputs
	March 31, 2014:
	Equity securities	$	24		$	24		$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments	98			—			98			—
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	49			—			49			—
	Total Assets	$	171		$	24		$	147		$	—
	Fair value of hedged long-term debt	$	1,624		$	—		$	1,624		$	—
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	56			—			56			—
	Contingent consideration related to business combinations	72			—			—			72
	Total Liabilities	$	1,752		$	—		$	1,680		$	72
	December 31, 2013:
	Equity securities	$	26		$	26		$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments	87			—			87			—
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	84			—			84			—
	Total Assets	$	197		$	26		$	171		$	—
	Fair value of hedged long-term debt	$	1,623		$	—		$	1,623		$	—
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	75			—			75			—
	Contingent consideration related to business combinations	208			—			—			208
	Total Liabilities	$	1,906		$	—		$	1,698		$	208

PostEmployment_Benefits_Tables

Post-Employment Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Post-Employment Benefits	'
Net cost for the entity's major defined benefit plans and post-employment medical and dental benefit plans	'
		Defined Benefit Plans						Medical and Dental Plans
	(in millions)	March 31,			March 31,			March 31,			March 31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost - benefits earned during the period	$	66		$	76		$	9		$	12
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligations	77			66			16			15
	Expected return on plans’ assets	(113		)	(93		)	(10		)	(9		)
	Net amortization of:							—
	Actuarial loss, net	25			40			5			8
	Prior service cost (credit)	1			1			(9		)	(8		)
	Net cost	$	56		$	90		$	11		$	18

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Information	'
Schedule of segment and geographic area information	'
		Three Months Ended March 31
		Net Sales to				Operating
		External Customers				Earnings
	(in millions)	2014		2013		2014			2013
	Established Pharmaceutical Products	$	1,151	$	1,233	$	230		$	286
	Nutritional Products	1,631		1,699		283			342
	Diagnostic Products	1,117		1,088		222			260
	Vascular Products	738		742		221			188
	Total Reportable Segments	4,637		4,762		956			1,076
	Other	607		616
	Net Sales	$	5,244	$	5,378
	Corporate functions and benefit plans costs					(58		)	(120		)
	Non-reportable segments					63			88
	Net interest expense					(23		)	(26		)
	Share-based compensation (a)					(119		)	(126		)
	Amortization of intangible assets					(174		)	(199		)
	Other, net (b)					(222		)	(139		)
	Earnings from continuing operations before taxes					$	423		$	554
	(a)         Approximately 40 to 45 percent of the annual net cost of share-based awards will typically be recognized in the first quarter due to the timing of the granting of share-based awards.
	(b)         The increase from 2013 to 2014 primarily reflects higher charges for cost reduction initiatives.

Separation_of_AbbVie_Inc_Detai

Separation of AbbVie Inc. (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
AbbVie	'
Financial information for discontinued operations	'
Term by which the transition services agreement can be extended	'1 year
AbbVie | Maximum	'
Financial information for discontinued operations	'
Term for which transition services may be provided	'24 months
Proprietary Pharmaceuticals Business Assets and Liabilities Held for Disposal | AbbVie	'
Additional disclosures	'
Trade accounts receivable	127
Inventories	102
Equipment	17
Other assets	56
Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities	152
Other liabilities	18
Obligation to transfer the net assets held for disposition included in other current liabilities	132
Proprietary Pharmaceuticals Business	'
Additional disclosures	'
Earnings from discontinued operations, net tax benefits	36

Supplemental_Financial_Informa2

Supplemental Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Financial Information	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations allocated to common shares	$337	$541	'
Net earnings allocated to common shares	373	541	'
Noncash impact of tax benefits from resolution of prior year tax positions included in other, net use of cash in Net cash from operating activities	110	'	'
Component of long-term investment	'	'	'
Long-term Investment Securities	122	'	119
Defined Benefit Plans	'	'	'
Component of long-term investment	'	'	'
Benefit plan contributions by employer	312	208	'
Medical and Dental Plans	'	'	'
Component of long-term investment	'	'	'
Benefit plan contributions by employer	40	40	'
Equity securities	'	'	'
Component of long-term investment	'	'	'
Long-term Investment Securities	91	'	93
Other	'	'	'
Component of long-term investment	'	'	'
Long-term Investment Securities	$31	'	$26

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Det

Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	Net Actuarial Losses and Prior Service Costs and Credits	Net Actuarial Losses and Prior Service Costs and Credits	Cumulative Unrealized Gains on Marketable Equity Securities	Cumulative Unrealized Gains on Marketable Equity Securities	Cumulative Gains on Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	Cumulative Gains on Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Other comprehensive income from continuing operations, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	($1,934)	($2,012)	($718)	($79)	($1,312)	($3,596)	$13	$31	$5	$50
Separation of AbbVie	'	'	'	-307	'	1,451	'	'	'	9
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	'	'	62	-391	'	-69	1	7	-1	-18
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	16	28	-1	-6	1	-3
Net current period comprehensive income from continuing operations	'	'	62	-391	16	-41	'	1	'	-21
Balance at the end of the period	($1,934)	($2,012)	($656)	($777)	($1,296)	($2,186)	$13	$32	$5	$38

Business_Acquisitions_Details

Business Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
			IDEV Technologies	OptiMedica
Business acquisitions	'	'	'	'
Percentage of voting interest acquired	'	'	100.00%	100.00%
Cash paid for business acquisition	'	'	$310	$260
Additional payments upon completion of certain development, regulatory and sales milestones	'	'	'	150
Non-deductible acquired in-process research and development	'	'	170	60
Non-deductible definite-lived intangible assets	'	'	66	160
Non-deductible goodwill	9,781	9,772	112	130
Net deferred tax liabilities	'	'	47	49
Contingent consideration	'	'	'	$70
Amortization period of acquired intangible assets	'11 years	'	'11 years	'18 years

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'	'
Goodwill	$9,781	$9,772
Foreign currency translation adjustments increased goodwill	35	'
Purchase price allocation adjustments associated with recent acquisitions decreased goodwill	$26	'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and intangible assets information	'
Amount of reduction of goodwill relating to impairments	$0
Established Pharmaceutical Products	'
Goodwill and intangible assets information	'
Goodwill on acquisition	3,000
Nutritional Products	'
Goodwill and intangible assets information	'
Goodwill on acquisition	286
Diagnostic Products	'
Goodwill and intangible assets information	'
Goodwill on acquisition	444
Vascular Products	'
Goodwill and intangible assets information	'
Goodwill on acquisition	$3,100

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'	'
Gross amount of amortizable intangible assets	$12,400,000,000	$12,200,000,000
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets	6,900,000,000	6,800,000,000
Indefinite-lived intangible assets related to in-process research and development acquired in a business combination	114,000,000	266,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2014	655,000,000	'
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2015	615,000,000	'
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2016	590,000,000	'
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2017	575,000,000	'
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2018	$500,000,000	'
Average amortization period, intangible assets	'11 years	'
Minimum	'	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'	'
Average amortization period, intangible assets	'2 years	'
Maximum	'	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'	'
Average amortization period, intangible assets	'20 years	'

Restructuring_Plans_Details

Restructuring Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring Plan 2014	'
Restructuring costs	'
Restructuring charges	$80
Restructuring Plan 2014 | Cost of products sold	'
Restructuring costs	'
Restructuring charges	17
Restructuring Plan 2014 | Selling, general and administrative expense	'
Restructuring costs	'
Restructuring charges	22
Restructuring Plan 2014 | Research and development	'
Restructuring costs	'
Restructuring charges	41
Restructuring Plan 2014 and 2013	'
Restructuring costs	'
Restructuring charges	25
Restructuring Plan 2014 and 2013 | Cost of products sold	'
Restructuring costs	'
Restructuring charges	2
Restructuring Plan 2014 and 2013 | Selling, general and administrative expense	'
Restructuring costs	'
Restructuring charges	$23

Restructuring_Plans_Details_2

Restructuring Plans (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
	Restructuring Plan 2014	Restructuring Plan 2014 and 2013	Restructuring Plan 2013 and Prior Years	Restructuring Plan 2013 and Prior Years	Restructuring Plan 2011 and 2008
Restructuring reserve activity	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance of the period	'	$148	$20	$20	$41
Restructuring charges	80	25	'	'	'
Payments and other adjustments	-4	-28	'	'	-3
Restructuring reserve, ending balance of the period	$76	$145	$20	$20	$38

Incentive_Stock_Programs_Detai

Incentive Stock Programs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'
Incentive stock programs, shares reserved for future grants	110,000,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost	$264
Stock options	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'
Grants in period, stock options (in shares)	3,659,969
Stock options outstanding, number of shares	42,297,580
Exercisable options, number of shares	34,724,241
Stock options outstanding, weighted-average remaining life	'4 years 6 months
Exercisable options, weighted-average remaining life	'3 years 6 months
Stock options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$27.34
Exercisable options, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$25.38
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	480
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable	$461
Total unrecognized compensation cost, recognition period	'3 years
Restricted stock awards	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'
Grants in period, restricted stock (in shares)	545,716
Restricted stock units	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award	'
Grants in period, restricted stock (in shares)	5,248,937

Financial_Instruments_Derivati2

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Fair Value - Assets	$147	$171
Fair Value - Liabilities	572	580
Designated as hedging instrument | Short-term borrowings | Net investment hedges	'	'
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Fair Value - Liabilities	516	505
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate swaps | Fair value hedges	'	'
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Notional amount of cash flow hedge instruments	1,500	1,500
Amount of hedge ineffectiveness recorded in income	0	0
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	98	87
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cash flow hedges	'	'
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Notional amount of cash flow hedge instruments	275	137
Approximate length of time over which accumulated gains and losses will be recognized in Cost of products sold	'12 months	'
Designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables	'	'
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Fair Value - Assets	9	14
Not designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	'	'
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Notional amount of cash flow hedge instruments	11,800	13,800
Not designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables	'	'
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Fair Value - Assets	40	70
Not designated as hedging instrument | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Other accrued liabilities	'	'
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value	'	'
Fair Value - Liabilities	$56	$75

Financial_Instruments_Derivati3

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net investment hedges | Designated as hedging instrument	'	'
Gain (loss) on derivatives	'	'
Gain (loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (loss)	($11)	$50
Interest rate swaps | Fair value hedges | Designated as hedging instrument | Interest expense	'	'
Gain (loss) on derivatives	'	'
Gain (loss) Reclassified into Income	11	10
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Not designated as hedging instrument | Net foreign exchange loss (gain)	'	'
Gain (loss) on derivatives	'	'
Income (expense)	-13	90
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts | Cash flow hedges | Designated as hedging instrument | Cost of products sold	'	'
Gain (loss) on derivatives	'	'
Gain (loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (loss)	2	17
Gain (loss) Reclassified into Income	$3	$3

Financial_Instruments_Derivati4

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures (Details 3) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair value, asset and liability measures	'	'
Long-term Investment Securities	$122	$119
Equity securities	'	'
Fair value, asset and liability measures	'	'
Long-term Investment Securities	91	93
Carrying value	'	'
Fair value, asset and liability measures	'	'
Total long-term debt	-3,395	-3,397
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, receivable position	49	84
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, (payable) position	-56	-75
Interest rate hedge contracts, receivable position	98	87
Carrying value | Equity securities	'	'
Fair value, asset and liability measures	'	'
Long-term Investment Securities	91	93
Carrying value | Other	'	'
Fair value, asset and liability measures	'	'
Long-term Investment Securities	31	26
Fair value	'	'
Fair value, asset and liability measures	'	'
Total long-term debt	-3,918	-3,930
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, receivable position	49	84
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, (payable) position	-56	-75
Interest rate hedge contracts, receivable position	98	87
Fair value | Equity securities	'	'
Fair value, asset and liability measures	'	'
Long-term Investment Securities	91	93
Fair value | Other	'	'
Fair value, asset and liability measures	'	'
Long-term Investment Securities	$26	$24

Financial_Instruments_Derivati5

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures (Details 4) (Recurring, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair value	'	'
Fair value, asset and liability measures	'	'
Equity securities	$24	$26
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments, assets	98	87
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, assets	49	84
Total Assets	171	197
Fair value of hedged long-term debt	1,624	1,623
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, liabilities	56	75
Contingent consideration related to business combinations	72	208
Total Liabilities	1,752	1,906
Quoted Prices in Active Markets	'	'
Fair value, asset and liability measures	'	'
Equity securities	24	26
Total Assets	24	26
Significant Other Observable Inputs	'	'
Fair value, asset and liability measures	'	'
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments, assets	98	87
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, assets	49	84
Total Assets	147	171
Fair value of hedged long-term debt	1,624	1,623
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, liabilities	56	75
Total Liabilities	1,680	1,698
Significant Unobservable Inputs	'	'
Fair value, asset and liability measures	'	'
Contingent consideration related to business combinations	72	208
Total Liabilities	$72	$208

Litigation_and_Environmental_M1

Litigation and Environmental Matters (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Loss Contingencies	'
Maximum expected cleanup exposure for individual site	$4
Maximum expected cleanup exposure in aggregate	15
Other legal proceedings and environmental exposures	'
Loss Contingencies	'
Other legal proceedings or environmental exposure, minimum	70
Other legal proceedings or environmental exposure, maximum	90
Recorded reserve balance for legal proceedings and exposures	$80

PostEmployment_Benefits_Detail

Post-Employment Benefits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans	'	'
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost	'	'
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	$66	$76
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations	77	66
Expected return on plans' assets	-113	-93
Net amortization of:	'	'
Actuarial loss, net	25	40
Prior service cost (credit)	1	1
Net cost	56	90
Company contributions	312	208
Medical and Dental Plans	'	'
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost	'	'
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	9	12
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations	16	15
Expected return on plans' assets	-10	-9
Net amortization of:	'	'
Actuarial loss, net	5	8
Prior service cost (credit)	-9	-8
Net cost	11	18
Company contributions	$40	$40

Taxes_on_Earnings_Details

Taxes on Earnings (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Taxes on Earnings	'	'
Favorable resolution of various tax positions and other unusual provision items	'	$103
Decrease in gross unrecognized tax benefits due to favorable resolution of tax positions pertaining to prior years	102	'
Maximum	'	'
Taxes on Earnings	'	'
Decrease in gross unrecognized tax benefits, upper bound	350	'
Discontinued operations	'	'
Taxes on Earnings	'	'
Decrease in gross unrecognized tax benefits due to favorable resolution of tax positions pertaining to prior years	36	'
Continuing operations	'	'
Taxes on Earnings	'	'
Decrease in gross unrecognized tax benefits due to favorable resolution of tax positions pertaining to prior years	$71	'

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Net Sales to External Customers	$5,244	$5,378
Operating Earnings	423	554
Other	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Net Sales to External Customers	607	616
Total Reportable Segments	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Net Sales to External Customers	4,637	4,762
Operating Earnings	956	1,076
Total Reportable Segments | Established Pharmaceutical Products	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Net Sales to External Customers	1,151	1,233
Operating Earnings	230	286
Total Reportable Segments | Nutritional Products	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Net Sales to External Customers	1,631	1,699
Operating Earnings	283	342
Total Reportable Segments | Diagnostic Products	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Net Sales to External Customers	1,117	1,088
Operating Earnings	222	260
Total Reportable Segments | Vascular Products	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Net Sales to External Customers	738	742
Operating Earnings	$221	$188

Segment_Information_Details_2

Segment Information (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Operating Earnings	$451	$615
Amortization of intangible assets	-174	-199
Earnings from continuing operations before taxes	423	554
Minimum	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Annual share-based awards recognized in first quarter (as a percent)	40.00%	'
Maximum	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Annual share-based awards recognized in first quarter (as a percent)	45.00%	'
Total Reportable Segments	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations before taxes	956	1,076
Corporate functions	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Corporate functions and benefit plans costs	-58	-120
Reconciling items	'	'
Segment Reporting Information	'	'
Operating Earnings	63	88
Net interest expense	-23	-26
Share-based compensation	-119	-126
Amortization of intangible assets	-174	-199
Other, net	-222	-139
Earnings from continuing operations before taxes	$423	$554